When College Kids Come Home for the Holidays - How to Reduce Conflict, Set Healthy Expectations, and Enjoy the Visit

19/11/2025 26 min
When College Kids Come Home for the Holidays - How to Reduce Conflict, Set Healthy Expectations, and Enjoy the Visit

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Episode Synopsis

What really happens when your college kid comes home for Thanksgiving and winter break? If you’ve ever dreamed of cozy family time — only to be met with attitude, exhaustion, or a debate tournament at the dinner table — friend, you are not alone.In this episode of Loving That Midlife, Christian Life Coach Lori Buck shares what moms truly need to know about navigating the emotional ups and downs when young adults return home for the holidays. Whether this is your first freshman coming home or your fourth rodeo, this conversation will help you welcome them home with peace instead of pressure, connection instead of control, and realistic expectations instead of disappointment.You’ll learn:✨ Why holiday visits feel so emotionally intense for both moms and college kids ✨ How your child has changed — and how you’ve changed too ✨ What expectations to let go of (including curfews, chores, and family time) ✨ The One Thing Rule that will dramatically reduce conflict ✨ How to set house agreements instead of rules ✨ Why gratitude + rest matter more than grades...for the first week ✨ How to stay steady when your child asserts their newfound independence ✨ And how to enjoy this season without smothering, overthinking, or walking on eggshellsLori also shares a hilarious (and relatable!) Thanksgiving story from her own family about the year her daughter came home ready to argue with everyone at the table — and what that taught her about parenting young adults with wisdom, calm, and compassion.If you want this holiday season to feel calmer, more connected, and far less chaotic, this episode will give you the mindset shifts and practical tools you need.🎄 Want a peaceful December? Join A Joyful Christmas.This brand-new 5-week Christian coaching experience will help you renew your mind, manage holiday expectations, navigate family dynamics with grace, and cultivate true joy — no matter how anyone else shows up.Enrollment is now open. Click here for more info.If you liked this episode, please share it with a friend! And if you loved this episode, please rate the show and leave a review so others can find it, too. You can also follow me on my socials: Instagram: @loribuckcoaching Facebook: Lori Buck Coaching Website: www.loribuckcoaching.com Email: [email protected]

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