It is so great to have the campus buzzing with all of the exciting things that the boys are doing in the classrooms, on the athletic fields, on the mountains, on the stage, and in the waters. We are enjoying celebrating all that the boys are doing in the community!
Now that academic orientation has passed, and the boys are immersed in bonding with new friends, participating in athletic games, and diving into their academic expectations, it is normal to see some stress and fatigue settling in as well as they adjust to these academic and social expectations and influences. They are working hard, and acclimating to the demands of their many roles at Cardigan--as students, athletes, artists, brothers, and leaders. Ninth graders are preparing for SSAT’s and participating in secondary school fairs. Not to mention that Autumn, with all of its beauty and inspiration, also brings with it some germs that our boys may not evade. All of these factors may take a toll on the boys. This may transpire into communication to home that may cause worry to you all. They may be expressing some homesickness, and overall complaints and stress about all that is happening in their lives at Cardigan.
Trust that your boys can do this. The best support that you can give them during these exciting and stressful times is to encourage them and let them know that you have faith that they can succeed. If you are worried, communicate to their advisor so that they can help facilitate putting supports in place that they may need.
Focus on the positives. Amongst all the things that they may be expressing are not going well, there are sure to be many things that are going great. Maybe a fun lab in Science class, or a new friend in the dorm, or a goal that was made at soccer practice, or a new food tried at the Sandwich Fair!! Celebrate all of the greats!
Here are a couple of helpful articles to help guide you in supporting your Cardigan boy:
https://www.crchealth.com/youth-programs/homesickness/
Thank you for sharing your talented boys with us, it is such a privilege to have this amazing group of young men on The Point. We can’t wait to see you for Fall Family Weekend! Hope you can make it!