What are some classic things parents say when dropping their child off to college? PLEASE NO SILLY JOKES?

Question

This is for a short story I'm doing.

Nothing really OBVIOUS like "I love you." but other things. I'm not a parent yet, so I'm not sure what to put in my short story.

Nothing silly or joking like, "Good luck, kid. See ya in 4 years! Don't drink too much"

I want sentimental things. And no copy and pasted lyrics of Carrie Underwood's "Don't Forget To Remember Me."

Thanks all!

Answer 1

Maybe have the parents give them a gas card. So they can make it home and see them! Or a grocery store gift card. Money is always tight so have the parent say "this way you wont be stuck on ramen noodles!" A joke is nice way to help with nerves. You don't want your kids to see you all upset and bawling you want them to feel that you are proud of them and are excited about them starting their new adventure in getting their education.

Answer 2

When I was eighteen, I left home- not for college- but to marry this guy that my parents didn't like. I should have listened to them..

But, anyway..

As I was packing my stuff in my car to move away with this boy, my Dad took me to the side and told me never to forget that the road I was leaving on would get me back home again- and he never turned the ringer off. I could call whenever I wanted- if I couldn't get home, he'd come to me.

A year later, I was nineteen and pregnant- technically a grown woman, but it's never felt so good to hear his voice and know I could say "Daddy, come get me.." without fearing being told "no."

Answer 3

If you really want sentimental things, it's the obvious simple words that mean so much. "I love you" is important. You want it to be real, not dramatic. What about, "good luck" and "call home any time" and "we'll miss you." They are obvious but when a parent says them they are sincere.

Answer 4

When dropped my oldest off at college, I was very excited for him. I never got to live in a dorm. I told him to have fun and do his best, that I loved him and was very proud of him. I asked him to call often and share some of his experiences with us....then I kissed him good bye and on the way home...I cried.

Answer 5

what i want to say i didn't remember til i got home and them i was on the phone but i really can't remember alot because i was excited and scared u know the parent thing very very proud but i do remember this come home on break call don't party all night do your school work and if it don't work out u have a home happy parenting

Answer 6

Tell him "Home is a phone call and a short drive away"


no matter how old they get or what they go through, home is where the heart is. my children know they will always have a home with me even in college. believe me, they may love school, but they need an escape at times--why not come home? food, love, washer/dryer...lol

Answer 7

Very simple, when I left for school, my dad and I unloaded the car--

As we were unloading my stuff to my dorm room, he said to me "Remember go hug your mother and tell her you love her!"

When I did that, she cried and asked , "if I needed anything?"
I said "A few hundred would help" and then she gave me a large letter-size white envelope of a thousand dollars in hundreds. My father then said "Dont spend it all at once!"

As they drove away, the last thing my mom still in tears said "You know I think you are going to make it!"

Answer 8

I have to agree with KS. Unspoken words speak a lot louder. My Dad didn't say much when I went off to college, he knew who I was when I went off.

Answer 9

I dont think its what you say, I think its what you dont say. Letting them know that you trust their judgement is way more important then anything else. Dont tell them what to do. I think the more powerful thing you can say is that if they need anything...anything at all...to call and you will be there for them.

Answer 10

Please be careful. Remember you can come home or call anytime if you need something. Have a good time but study hard cause the tuition is costing us a bundle.