Homesickness

The Power of Suggestion

You probably remember what happens when a young child gets a scratch or bruise at the playground? The child usually doesn’t even realize there’s a problem until the parent reacts with a gasp or a cringe: then the tears start flowing.

Though your student is considerably older, the power of suggestion remains strong. So try not to ask your child if he or she is homesick. Especially after the first few weeks of school, the novelty of a new environment wears off and a yearning for home may surface. When you write or call, try to ask your student about new friends, new assignments and other topics that may rekindle their initial excitement.