Your kids have been in school for months now, which means they probably have their eyes on someone "special." You can bet that any romances have either gone unnoticed or have gone awry by now. So, don’t let Valentine’s Day be bleak. Send a card, candy, flowers, or a gift.
March: Spring Break
The stretch between winter break and spring break is an eternity in college-time. By the time spring break comes along, your kids really do need a break. If you’re super-cool, you’ll spring for spring break. But, a trip to Cancun is a lot to expect. Most students don’t take that big spring break trip until they’re seniors. But, nothing’s worse than returning to school with all of the tanned spring breakers with wild stories. So, plan something special so your kid doesn't spend the whole trip on the sofa. Consider a day trip to a nearby city, mall, or museum. Or maybe just spring for some sessions in the local tanning booth.
April: Build Resumes
Your kids are just trying to make it to the end of the semester without failing. But, you might want to start thinking about the summer. Ask you kids if they want to do an internship, get a job, or take summer school classes. An exotic option for those with the means would be an intensive language class abroad.
Now is the time to figure out what you can afford and marry that with what they want to do. If you’re on a tight budget, try to help your kids get jobs or paid internships that will build their resumes and their bank accounts. If money isn't an object, help them get unpaid internships in their field. Every bit of relevant job experience will help your kids after graduation.
May: Fuel Finals
It’s exam time again. So, send the brain food again - protein, caffeine, chocolate. It’s also time to move out. Moving out can be as traumatic as moving in. Now, they have to leave their friends and their newfound freedom. Be sympathetic. Your kids are mentally and emotionally exhausted. So, let them take a break and be grumpy for a couple days before you start telling them to pick up their socks off the bedroom floor.