Edition #237 | Read time: 5 Minutes
Hi Mamas,
This one is for our college mamas.
Okay... we’re handing out the paper bags to the class. Everyone breathe in... and out.
We can do this. Or at least try.
There is nothing that prepares you for the sweet and amazing firsts in motherhood. But whew... the lasts hit different.
As we reminded our CARRY™ moms over on Instagram last weekend, while they’re leaving home, they’re not leaving behind everything you’ve given them. They’re taking with them years of your love, your prayers, your encouragement, your sacrifices, your values, and the memories you’ve given since the day they were born.
What an incredible job you’ve done. **pat yourselves on the back**
Yes, life under your roof is about to look different. But you’ll ALWAYS be their mom. We know this chapter comes with a whole lot of feelings but it also holds so many beautiful milestones still to come.
We see you, mamas. We’re carrying both the joy and the grief with you as you launch these incredible humans into the world.
You’ve got this. And so do they. 🤍
P.S. Don’t miss the end. One of our CARRY moms shares some great seasoned advice on college drop off
Enjoy!
—The CARRY™ Team
This week in The CARRY™ ALL, we’re talking about:
⭐ The Advice You Need To Hear Before Drop-Off
📦 What to Put in a College Care Package
🎓 The College Conversations That Prepare You Both
As always, this is a space for our CARRY™ community to connect with each other. Leave a comment and keep the conversation going. And, we bet there’s another mama that would love The CARRY™ ALL in their inbox, too. Pass on the love!
Paula, our amazing CARRY™ founder, received a piece of advice from a friend before dropping her oldest off at college, and we’re passing it along to you:
Plan something to look forward to after move-in day.
There will be big feelings, rightfully so. You’ve spent years pouring into your child, and this milestone deserves to be felt.
But once the hugs are over and you get back in the car, what will you have to look forward to?
Maybe it’s...
A girls’ night
A date night
Finally taking that mahjong class
Starting a neighborhood book club
Booking the massage you’ve been putting off
Putting something on your calendar won’t erase what you’re feeling, nor should it. But it can remind you that this next chapter holds good things for you, too.
While your child is beginning something new, you are, too. 🤍
We are obsessed with this care package idea.
Our CARRY™ team member, Kristen, shared some other ideas here from a package she and her kids sent to their favorite babysitter who left for college.
You can tuck in handwritten notes or include personal favorites, practical finds, gift cards, favorite photos, or little surprises that remind them of home.
Leave the box with them on move-in day or mail it a few weeks later. Either way, it’s a simple way to remind them that even from miles away, you’re thinking of them and giving glimpses from home.
There are plenty of dorm checklists out there, but we especially loved this reel because it goes beyond what to pack and gets into how to prepare both of you for the transition.
Such helpful AND practical takeaways. Some hard convos and a little preparation now can make those first few weeks feel a little less overwhelming for both of you. 🤍
If you missed it... The The Paula Faris Show is BACK! 🎉
In last week’s episode, Paula shares the emotions, reflections, and conversations she’s been having as she prepares to send her oldest off to college.
If you’re a college mama, a future college mama, or just want a peek into this season of motherhood, this conversation is for you. 🤍
🎧 Listen here!
We also had one of our CARRY™ moms, Denise, share her seasoned wisdom for navigating college drop-off. 🤍 Moms supporting moms is one of the best parts of this community.
Take a look at the advice she’d pass along to the next mom walking through this season. 👇
“If this is your first child or a child at new university, joining a legit--there are fakes--parent group from the university can make a difference. Just remember that in those groups, some people will find fault with everything based on *their* experience. Most people have a positive experience. These groups are helpful, because they can be resources for things going on, how to navigate things at the school, etc... The search feature in the Facebook group can avoid repetitive questions. And remember, it’s time to let your child navigate problems. Professors will not talk to you. Never buy sports tickets in those groups--use the university approved ticket reseller.
Know your child’s on campus address and the address for other deliveries. Never send an envelope. Envelopes disappear--use a box for everything. Amazon probably delivers to the school mailbox, so your child might not get the item till it’s processed, but there are street addresses to use for ubereats, doordash, etc... Many larger schools’ mail centers are managed by UPS stores.
As for what to take, there are a lot of helpful checklists out there, and your child’s university has one, plus there should be dorm layouts sou you know what to expect. You don’t always need everything on the list. Bedding and towels yes. Be prepared to bring home the cleaning things unused or barely used, but they’ll be there just in case, and you can use them to clean when you leave in spring. Bin stacks for under the lofted bed, shower & beauty supplies as needed. If it’s a humid area, damp rid is a good purchase. Rug. Snacks in a sealed bin. Surge protectors. Zip ties can help with some things. A few basic first aid items, which they may not use. Laundry detergent. Pop-up hamper or laundry sack. Air freshener spray. 2” or 3” mattress pad….
…You won’t need school supplies like we did when we were in college. Many books are online. A good backpack with laptop protection is smart… Umbrella or water resistant shoes are good, if your child will use/wear.
Make sure your child has their health insurance card. Because of ACA, most universities don’t have health coverage for your student like they did years ago, but the students usually have access to onsite healthcare, free flu shots, etc... And if they break something or need urgent care, it’s usually a quick rideshare ride away…
It’s okay to cry after saying goodbye. Just know you’re not alone. Best wishes.
ps. investing in a dolly (hand truck) can help things move faster from the car or drop-off spot to the room. Saves a lot of trips. And take water. You don't want to be the parent that passed out from the heat. Wasn't me, but we couldn't use the elevator, because EMS was using it.”
We’re always looking for little ways to lighten your load, and this is one of them. Instead of hunting through old posts, we’ve gathered our favorite products, exclusive discount codes, and tried-and-true recommendations all in one place. You’ll find it all HERE.
If you choose to shop through one of our links, thank you. It helps support The CARRY™ ALL and allows us to keep creating free encouragement and practical resources for working moms. We appreciate you being here. 🤍
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