One other thing - Mom is struggling with the idea of staying in the college town throughout the entire process. Other moms that she knows are planning on staying. She is somewhat concerned that Belle may lean on her too much if she is there and that it might cloud her decision making.

My advice was to come home and if she is needed make the trip back (it is within driving distance). She is planning on going back for bid day, as that is a tradition there.

I totally agree.

Parents going on interviews, parents going to rush week...

Is the newest generation having trouble cutting the umbilical cord?

I think it also sends a message to the daughter that "this is a REALLY big deal -- if it doesn't work out -- it's going to be DEVASTATING, so mama will be here to pick up the pieces!"

I created a seperate thread, as to not derail this one, but I agree...especially if the mother is Greek. I also think it puts undue pressure on to pledge the legacy chapter, or at least keep them around longer than they would have otherwise.

Mom isn't Greek, so no legacy issues.

I think that the moms who are planning on staying want to be there in case things go south. They want to be supportive. But, I agree that it sends the message that it will be devastating if things don't work out and maybe if the moms back off a bit, it would be helpful. Unfortunately, I think these girls already think that not getting a bid is the end of the world. It is a really big deal in our area to pledge a sorority and I dread the results for the girls who are going to the REALLY competitive campuses. One in particular is going to Georgia. She is a cute girl, but probably won't stand out from all of the other cute girls, and she doesn't know a soul there!

Moms there for recruitment week
 

Mom needs to stay home. She can always be there via the phone if needed. When I went through rush back in 1983, my mother was a basket case. We decided that I would call her every night after the parties to give her my updates. After the talk with my mom each night, I would head out with other 'rushees' from my dorm to get dinner, talk about the day, etc. This was a GREAT way to get comfortable on a new, HUGE University campus. I thought this was the most fun, relaxing part of the week and I cherished it. I agree with all the other people who have said that if mom is there, it sends a message that she is really there to pick up the pieces if things don't work out. Things are going to work out. One way or the other, things are going to work out, and Mom can be there then. This is one time that I think a girl benefits from venturing out there and doing her own thing. After all, it is her choice, not her mom's.

I'm a mom now, so please don't think I'm not sympathetic to moms who are protective and anxious about how all this can go. I just remember my own experience with 'Rush Week', and I am really glad my mom stayed home (albeit, by the phone...no cell phones then).

It sounds like your friend is very well prepared and ready to go. I will keep my fingers crossed that she finds the right place...I am sure that she will!

Elizabeth
'87 UGA Grad

agree--mom should help move daughter in, give her a hug and a kiss and go home.

hopefully daughter will be kind enough to update mom daily when rush begins(and you in turn can update us;))

Good luck to "Belle"!

Thanks all! I can tell you that the mom of this girl is one of the sanest people I know, so consequently her daughter is totally realistic.

I spent this afternoon with the two of them on a last minute shoe shopping expedition and we talked quite a bit about expectations. I think Belle is prepared for any results.

She and her mom and dad leave in two days to move in to the dorm. Mom is coming home and staying on stand by.

I truly believe Belle will have a good rush, she knows it only takes one bid from one sorority to be successful:)

go belle!!

Quick update,

Belle has been having a great time during rush. She has met tons of wonderful women and is having fun reconnecting with others she already knew.

After the first round of open houses, she was invited back to the maximum number of houses for the next round. She has some definite opinions of each house, but feels like she would be happy at any of them. She now has to cut down to 4 and is hoping that her top 4 all invite her back!

I'm not going into any detail in order to not screw up her rush! But, so far so good!:)

Pins and Needles
 

Good luck to Belle. I seem to be spending my whole day tunning to any available computer to check pn everyone's recruitment status. Especially today, as I am waiting to hear about the results of UCF recruitment. I will check back soon! I can't wait to hear more.

im glad belle is having a good time!!