Your child may wish to rebel against the rules of your house when he finds out that he or she still has a curfew or has to make his bed. Set guidelines and rules with your child, explaining that you are aware and accepting of his or her lifestyle while in the dorm, but under your roof, the rules are your way.

Show your child how lenient you can be if he or she respects your needs. If your child goes out knowing it’s going to be a late night, have him or her tell you exactly where he or she is going and call to check in every once in a while. If he or she follows that rule, explain that the curfew can be extended or eliminated altogether. Remind your child that your intentions are not malevolent; you are just a worried mother apprehensive about his or her safety.

A job for your child is imperative after freshman year of college. Now that your child has shown you independence at school, have him or her show you independence at home. Don’t deprive your child; if financially able, still keep your child on the same budget that he or she was allowed at school, but explain to him or her that living independently means working to make a dollar, as well.Summer school is another option for your child over summer. To ease credit load at school, your child can take that demanding mathematics or science requirement at a local community college to receive the required credits. Since these classes are typically a month long, require your child to have at least a part-time job over the summer, as well.

If your child has a boyfriend or girlfriend from freshman year and invites them to stay at the house for a few days to visit, discuss with your child your house rules. Understand that your child most likely went from seeing this boyfriend or girlfriend every day and every night, to not seeing him or her at all. Try your hardest to invite the boyfriend or girlfriend into family activities such as going out to dinner together, going to the beach together, or going to a sporting game. Also, allow an ample amount of alone time between your child and his or her special friend; trust your child that he or she will always make the right decisions.

If you treat your child with respect over the summer, he or she will respect the rules of the house and want to further a positive relationship with you. If you understand one another, the dynamics between the entire family will improve, and the summer will be a great way for you to catch up on the past eight months together.