Tips for Parents
Package slice of home safely for stressed-out students
By Brenda Sue Junkin
* The following text appeared in The Plain Dealer on Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Susan Nickel-Schindewolf, Case Western Reserve University assistant vice president for student affairs, tells us that it's important for a first-year student to get care packages. They might not admit it, but most are homesick.
"Kids really miss those special treats that only Mom or Grandma can make," says Nickel-Schindewolf. "Beyond the food, a photo of the family pet or a special note really helps the child to feel cared for."
She also says when the child first starts college and the week before finals are the two most important times to send a package.
"The kids get really stressed before exams," Nickel-Schindewolf says. "Silly, goofy things really help them to relieve the stress."
She suggests packages that include a Slinky, bubbles, stress balls or inflatable punching balls. They're fun and the kids have a great time.
UPS Store manager Patrick Ruehmann says that if you really want to send something perishable, staff members can pack a box with up to 10 pounds of dry ice, which keeps just about anything cool for up to four days.
Ruehmann notes that items should be packaged properly.
"If something is fragile and you want it insured, make sure that each item is individually bubble-wrapped, then encased in at least 3 inches of Styrofoam. No insurance is going to cover damage if you don't follow the instructions," Ruehmann says.