Telling the 'rents...
 

I'm not sure what I should do about this problem of mine, i've always been close to my parents and I really don't wanna hide the fact that I'm in rush and hopefully get a bid, but I know that my family won't really be "thrilled" to hear that I'm going greek. So what should I say to them that will make them not throw a fit? They buy into all the stereotypes of greek life...enough said...how do i tell them that i really want the brotherhood that comes with joining a fraternity? I'd really enjoy any advice...thanks...

I think it's safe to say that if your parents love you, they will understand. I'm sure if you explain why you're rushing (for all the right reasons!) they will probably warm up to it. Maybe send them some information on what great things the fraternity does? A lot of parents have stereoptypes about Greek life that is completely wrong. Show them the truth :)!

Anti-Greek Parents

Parents against sororities

Getting your parents to support you joining a GLO

Selling Parents to Allow Sorority Membership

Parents are Anti-Greek

Just a few examples from a simple search for the word "parents" in thread titles. Took 10 seconds.

:) gotta love the search...

My parents were especially against it because the college near my hometown had a hazing death right before I left for college. To be honest, if your parents are anything like mine, you'll have to prove it to them that you're safe and that it's worthwhile, and that comes after recieving a bid (or in my case, after being initiated with no bruises, bumps, emotional scarring, or having died due to alcohol poisoning). While going through recruitment, keep them aprised of the process. As a new member, tell them as much as you can or remember. Remind them that they did well with how they raised you and that you have a good head on your shoulders, and prove that to them in other ways.

If they're worried about your grades, keep them up or make them better while a new member.

If there's ever an event where parents would be welcome, invite them, and then see that they come, even if they live far away. My parents lived a few hours from my campus but nothing made them feel better about my sorority membership than when they came for a family luncheon, met my sisters and many people close to the chapter, and knew that I had people looking out for me.

I also paid all sorority dues and sorority costs myself, meaning I got a job to do it. I don't know what dues were like at your campus, but mine were manageable. In the end my parents appreciated that I was responsible enough to want something and to make it happen.

Thanks for the help, its all really great advice, and i admit i probably should have used the search a bit more, only thing is it tried under alot of things, i just never actually typed in "parents" lol...but yeah thanks for the advice, i think i'll wait until I get a bid (assuming I do) to actually tell my dad and sis, my mom knows, and all she told me was to be smart about it...after she told me she wasn't too happy about it...oh well i guess time will tell.

hahaha I did the same thing when I got a bid. Hopefully they'll take it well. Down the road, if you get a bid and become a member, be sure to keep your parents fairly updated on all of the 'good' stuff. Like I let my parents know when I'm doing philanthropy stuff or spending the weekend at another school.

Though I recommend that you take a look at the other threads, I will say that one of my pledge brothers did not tell his parents about it and I think he regrets it now. His father is a member of an NPHC fraternity and both of his parents thought it would be better for him to wait until after his freshman year to join a fraternity (and presumably his father's) Now it's gotten to a point where he dosen't know how to tell them that he's been lying to them for all this time. The longer he waits the worse it gets.

My parents found out b/c SigEp mails a packet to the home address once they process our info. They wished I had waited a semester or a year but they've never really complained.

:eek:

Wow. So many things.

mkose, I'm not sure which Texas school you are attending, but if it is UT, your parents will get a contract that they have to sign saying that they will pay the dues. The contract also lays out all the risk management stuff and my son's responsibilities to the fraternity.

I doubt there are many freshmen who can front the dues ($$$) for four years without their parents finding out about it, but maybe some houses let the students sign the contract.

I just know my son's doesn't - it has to be signed by us and him.

When I was considering recruitment, I talked to a few close family members and friends. I mostly got laughed at. How awesome is that?

Wow that is ROUGH. :(

My mom is supportive of everything I do no matter what and my dad came around when I showed him how much better Greek GPAs are compared to non-greek on my campus. There is a pretty big difference. Plus my school is well, HUGE. So he decided it would probably be best for me to find a close group of friends like he had. (He went to a small state school with all of his buddies from elementary, middle and high school.

It sucked, but most of my family did not go greek and has negative opinions about the whole deal. I explained to them what specifically I was looking for and what sororities on my campus had to offer. They still have their doubts, but at least they know why I'm pursuing this. I have their support, even if they don't agree. ;)