Nancy Berk, Ph.D. is the author of College Bound and Gagged: How To Help Your Kid Get Into A Great College Without Losing Your Savings, Your Relationship, or Your Mind. She speaks and writes extensively about social behavior, pop culture, parenting and college. A clinical psychologist, comic, professor and parent, she is a blogger for The Huffington Post, USA TODAY College, and HumorOutcasts.com. Nancy is the mom of two sons; both believe their aunt is much cooler than she is.
 
‘Tis the season for spring break, which can mean a little more anxiety for parents and aunts and uncles of college students. While you want them to enjoy time off from the stress of academia, keeping them safe and happy is the top priority. So how do you play your part without being a helicopter auntie? Below are 5 suggestions to get you started....

1. Give the speech.
If your niece or nephew is headed off with friends for a spring break extravaganza, have a chat about responsibilities, risks, safety and peer pressure. There’s a chance your lecture might get a warmer reception than the one given by their parents. And your sibling will thank you for it.

2. Offer to chaperone.
Sure, college kids may not want their parents in the next hotel room, but you’re probably cooler. Step up to the plate and consider offering to tag along and pay for a few meals. Warning: Your role is to be a logical, supervising adult, not the BFF doing jello shots.

3. Suggest alternative destinations.
Steering clear of traditional spring break sites can save money and decrease risky temptations. From visiting relatives to focusing on nearby gems, help your niece or nephew explore alternative locations that offer interesting opportunities at better prices.

4. Hire an assistant.
Plenty of college students head home to chill out for a week. After sleeping for the first 24 hours, nieces and nephews can get a little bored. Often strapped for cash, many college students welcome the idea of short-term employment or paid internship. Consider hiring your niece or nephew to assist with your business or home chores, or help them identify a short-term opportunity to fill the down time.

5. Plan an evening of fun.
This month is the perfect time to escape from the usual routine and laugh about college. Take your niece or nephew to see Admission (opening nationwide on March 22nd), the feature film starring Tina Fey and Paul Rudd. (Look for my book, College Bound and Gagged, in one of the scenes!) Based on the book by Jean Korelitz, Admission, directed by Paul Weitz with screenplay by Karen Croner, is a must see for anyone who’s thought about the college-bound journey. Your family will laugh about over-the-top college admission anxiety and be delighted by the talented cast. Watch the trailer here.

Photo: photostock
Published: March 19, 2013