SIMPLY WRITE!
Send a handwritten letter or card ... even a "wish you were here" postcard. Send comics, weird postcards, make your own envelope; include local town happenings, stuff it with confetti ... tell them about you! Let them know how things are going for those at home. Don't just rely on email ... make it memorable!
SEND CARE PACKAGE! (or energy supply package)
Send chocolate, chips, snacks, cookies ... comfort food. Even send deodorant, toothpaste, shampoo, toothbrush, holiday decorations, DVDs, CDs, gift certificates (restaurants, theaters).
CALL! (next best thing to being there)
Set up a weekly time ... also give surprise calls (quick one-minute calls) to just say hi. Don't be disappointed if they are too busy to talk (i.e.: friends are over) this just means they are connecting on campus. Encourage relatives (siblings, aunts, uncles, grandparents) to call.
ASK QUESTIONS! (no question is too personal)
Besides talking about classes ... ask them what they did for fun this week. Ask them about their friends, their roommate, did they see a movie (TV or theater) this week, did they go to a campus program. Ask them what is coming up; talk to them about their plans for next week. Tell them what you are doing. Parents need to begin opening the door into their own world, for this is a new experience for you too.
ENCOURAGE! (be supportive ... not a problem solver)
Remind them that it's okay if things don't always work out ... test/quiz didn't go so well ... they will have hundreds more to make up for it. Refer them to campus resources ... LRC, Peer Mentors, Resident Assistant, Counseling Center ... be proud of them no matter what.
VISIT! (road trip?)
Come to MSOE for special visits ... Parents/Family Weekend, athletic events, Homecoming. Surprise them ... take them to lunch or dinner ... show up for an athletic game! A visit does not have to be a momentous occasion ... short and simple is less stressful.
ONCE IN A LIFETIME EXPERIENCE! (enjoy college)Encourage them to spend time with their friends, see the city (Milwaukee has great things to offer ... 22nd largest city in the U.S.), take in campus programs, activities, speakers and the free food events.