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Cadets Talk About Quitting

Comments and Suggestions from an experienced CGA parent. Thanks to a firstie parent for the following perspective:

Dear parents of new cadets:

As the parent of a first class cadet, I just wanted to write and offer encouragement to you and all the fourth class parents. The firsties are a testament that it can be done, but it is rough! I have bits of wisdom and practical advice gleaned over the time my son has been at the Academy. I'll offer it and I hope some of you might find it useful.

1. Get a toll free telephone number - $5 a month, 10 cents a minute. (You'll understand after a few weepy $20 collect phone calls)

2. If you have to beg borrow or steal - GET TO PARENTS WEEKEND!!!

3. Get your cadet home as often as possible - TWA offers a student pack, about $250 per round trip.

4. Learn how to say "there, there" in as many different ways as you can.

5. When your cadet wants to quit, say " you'll fell better after a good night's rest" or "just stick it out until Christmas".

6. Don't put any added pressure on them from home. Learn some jokes or funny stories about siblings, neighbors or pets. They need some lightness. It is really heavy going for awhile.

7. Understand that they are now adults and basically the property of 'Uncle Sam.' The training that goes on at the Academy is not your business. It is hard, but it is fair.

8. E-mail every day. Send funny cards, pictures, cookies, anything to let them know someone is thinking of them and loves them.

9. Love them. No matter what.

If you think this would be helpful to others, please let them know it's here.