How to Establish a Curfew for College Students Living at Home

Many parents of college students look forward to school breaks. These parents often can't wait to have their son or daughter slip right back into family life. But students who have been on their own for a while might have different expectations. With some open and honest communication, parents and students should be able to reach a compromise acceptable to everyone.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Keep in touch. In the age of cell phone and e-mail, keeping in touch is easier than ever. But, if parents have a glimpse of their children's new schedule, they will have a better idea of when the student comes and goes before ever coming back home.

2. Realize your kids are now adults. Though they might not always act like it, students have been taking care of themselves for the past few months. Students are usually used to not having to answer to anyone about when they come and go, so the same rules that applied in high school might not make sense anymore.

3. Lay down your expectations. Though your son or daughter might be used to being able to come and go whenever they want, expect them to be courteous and keep you in the loop. When they understand your expectations, they'll be more likely to meet them.

4. Be willing to compromise. Some families drop curfews, but require a phone call after an established time. Others drop a curfew altogether, and others retain high school rules. Be careful not to turn curfew negotiations into a power struggle. Emphasize that many parents worry regardless of how old their children are and feel more comfortable knowing what is going on in their home.