Please Pass the Gravy, and Let's Talk College or Not: Navigating Thanksgiving Conversations for Parents and College-Bound Seniors
"Please pass the gravy." "Can I have more stuffing?" "Who wants a drumstick?"
These are commonly accepted conversations held during a Thanksgiving meal. Whether your college-bound senior is excited about their impending academic adventure or prefers to keep their plans under wraps, finding the right balance during Thanksgiving can be as delicate as preparing the perfect turkey.
In this blog, we will explore strategies for students eager to discuss their college plans and for those not quite ready to spill the beans. We will share tips on initiating discussions, and expressing gratitude for support. For those not eager to dive into the college talk, we will provide advice on setting boundaries, redirecting conversations, and infusing a bit of humor into the mix. Plus, we will include guidance for parents navigating both scenarios.
For College-Bound Seniors Eager to Discuss their College Plans:
Savoring the Excitement:
As the Thanksgiving feast unfolds and your family gathers, don't hesitate to share your college plans with enthusiasm. If you've got your heart set on a particular institution, a dream major, or a unique extracurricular, let the excitement flow like the cranberry sauce.
Initiating the Conversation:
If the college talk hasn't come up naturally, feel free to initiate it. Share your achievements, the schools you're eyeing, and your vision for the future. Embrace your enthusiasm and turn the conversation into a celebration of your accomplishments.
Creating a Feast of Details:
Serve up the details of your college journey like a well-prepared dish. Discuss campus visits, unique programs that captivate you, and potential mentors you're eager to learn from. A vivid picture of the exciting chapter ahead can be something for the whole family to savor.
Expressing Gratitude for Support:
Express gratitude for the support your family has provided throughout the college application process. Let them know how their encouragement and guidance have played a role in your decisions. Share in the excitement of the milestones you've achieved and the challenges you've overcome with their support.
Balancing the Banter:
While it's wonderful to share your college dreams, encourage a balance in the conversation. Ensure it doesn't become an exclusive college monologue. Share your experiences, stories, and dreams as well. Thanksgiving is a time for communal sharing, and your college excitement can be a delightful addition to the conversation.
For Parents of Eager College Conversationalists:
Encouraging the Conversation:
Encourage your college-bound senior to share their plans with enthusiasm. If they've got their heart set on a particular institution, a dream major, or a unique extracurricular, let the excitement flow like the cranberry sauce.
Creating Space for Details:
Create a space where your senior can serve up the details of their college journey like a well-prepared dish. Encourage them to discuss campus visits, unique programs that captivate them, and potential mentors they are eager to learn from. A vivid picture of the exciting chapter ahead can be something for the whole family to savor.
Expressing Gratitude for Support:
Express gratitude for the support you have provided throughout the college application process. Let your senior know how your encouragement and guidance have played a role in their decisions. Share in the excitement of the milestones they've achieved and the challenges they have overcome with your support.
Balancing the Banter:
While it's wonderful to hear about their college dreams, encourage a balance in the conversation. Ensure it doesn't become an exclusive college monologue. Share your experiences, stories, and dreams as well. Thanksgiving is a time for communal sharing, and your senior's college excitement can be a delightful addition to the conversation.
For Students Not Yet Ready to Spill the Beans:
Setting the Table of Boundaries:
Just like arranging the Thanksgiving table, respect your boundaries. If you're not ready to discuss your plans, express that. If asked, share that you're still figuring things out, and you appreciate their interest.
A Side Dish of Redirection:
If the conversation steers toward the inevitable college talk, be ready to redirect. Share stories about your latest adventures, favorite classes, or a recent project. Steering the conversation elsewhere keeps the focus on the present while gracefully side-stepping the college interrogation.
The Comfort of Generalities:
Share general aspirations and dreams without diving into specifics. Whether exploring a passion for a particular field or dreaming of joining a vibrant community, be part of the conversation without revealing all the ingredients of your college recipe.
A Dash of Humor to Season the Evening:
Inject a bit of humor into the mix. Lightly joke about the pressure of college decisions or express that you are all still waiting for the magical college fairies to guide the way. Humor can be the perfect seasoning to lighten the mood and ease any tension around the table.
Seconds on Support:
Remember that Thanksgiving is about gratitude and togetherness. If you are not ready to serve up your college plans, let your family know that you appreciate their support. Express gratitude for their achievements and let them decide when they're ready to share the details.
For Parents of Students Not Yet Ready to Spill the Beans:
Respecting Boundaries:
If your senior is not ready to discuss their plans, respect their boundaries. Avoid pushing the conversation and instead express your support. Let them know you are there when they are ready to share.
Creating an Open Space:
Ensure that your home provides an open and non-judgmental space. Let your senior know that you're interested in their journey, whatever pace it takes. Share your own experiences of uncertainty during pivotal life moments to make them feel understood.
Being Patient and Supportive:
Sometimes, the college decision process takes time. Be patient and supportive, offering a listening ear when they are ready to talk. Your understanding and encouragement can make the process more manageable for them.
Finding Common Ground:
If your senior isn't ready to discuss college specifics, find common ground in other aspects of their life. Talk about their interests, recent experiences, or plans for the holiday season. This helps maintain a connection without pressuring them on the college front.
Expressing Unconditional Support:
Reassure your senior that your love and support are not contingent on their college plans. Knowing they have your unconditional support can alleviate any stress or anxiety they may feel about discussing the topic.
So, as you pass the gravy and dive into the Thanksgiving spread, savor the moments and encourage your college-bound senior to share their dreams or choose to keep them close. Your approach can add an extra layer of warmth to the holiday celebration, making it a feast for everyone at the table.
If you have any questions or need guidance throughout the college admissions process, don't hesitate to reach out to GPS College Guidance. We're here to support you every step of the way. Good luck, and make this summer count!
GPS College Guidance
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Our primary focus is on student success, and we begin by getting to know each student personally, considering their entire journey of college admission from school selection to enrollment.
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