Got Kids Coming Home from College for Winter Break?

Planning to Travel Anywhere for the Holidays?

Inviting Family & Friends over for Thanksgiving?

Little-Girl-Tossing-Fall-LeavesLittle girl anticipating the joy of tossing fall leaves into the air right before Thanksgiving.

It's the day before Thanksgiving. Most colleges are starting Winter Break this week. I've already seen many of your posts on social, SO excited to have your kids back home for the holidays. I honestly thought I would be right there with you!

A couple of weeks ago, I asked my doctor how to safely have my daughter (yep, that's my girl ~12 years ago) back in my home after being at college, going through 2 airports, and sitting on a plane for 6 hours. Here is what she said. Take what you need and do what you feel is best for your family.

Protocol for Kids Coming Home from College

From my doctor...

"Safe family gatherings do get complicated in the time of Coronavirus.

The ideal plan would be for her (my daughter) to quarantine for the 14 days before she comes home.  And then wear her N95 on the airplane, no eating while on the flight, hand sanitizer etc. Bring an insulated tumbler with a hard straw that she can fill up with water after she is through security so she can sip water by slipping the straw under the mask if she needs to hydrate.   Her apartment mate should also be extremely careful during those 14 days since they live together. Do they work from home or will they have to go into work? If they have to go to work outside the home then they should be masked 100 % of the time and not be around anyone who is not masked and  keep social distance.. 

She can do a COVID  Nasal Swab 3-4 days before she leaves Michigan, so she has the results before she gets on the airplane.

When she first gets home I would advise both of you to wear masks in all common areas . Have her use a separate bathroom if available. Weather permitting eat outside.

Then she can retest after she is home for 4-5 days. Schedule an appointment for her well in advance. After her 2nd COVID test comes back negative then you can be fairly confident that you are safe to be around her without a mask.  

For visiting  your parents, having her wait 14 days after she arrives would be safest."

(Add another COVID test before getting on the plane back to Michigan. And possibly and fourth test 4-5 days after returning.)

Our Decision

If you've listened to the news lately, you know about the recent (and predicted) surge in COVID cases, and the recommendations not to travel for the holidays this year. But when it comes to our own kids, the thought of not having them home for the holidays is heartbreaking, and unfathomable!

My daughter and I agonized over whether or not she should come home from Michigan. I have not seen her in a year. We've NEVER gone this long without seeing each other. I miss her terribly. Her grandparents miss her terribly.

After a long tearful video chat, we both decided it wasn't worth the risk. I'm gutted. But I keep telling myself this is temporary. Vaccines are coming. And eventually, we will feel safe to travel again.

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Do What is Right for You

I'm not one to be preachy. I realize many of your kids have plans to come home or are already here. So please do what feels right for you and your family. But take precautions. This surge is no joke. Our college kids are the "wild cards" in our families. I know I would feel horrible if my daughter or I unknowingly exposed anyone to this nasty virus.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on all of this in the comments. No judgement. But I'm sure I'm not the only college parent thinking about this!

Wishing you all a healthy and safe Thanksgiving!

Much love,

Cheryl