ArcaMax

Before they depart, you could ask her and her father to help you to “strip” the beds (hers and her dad’s), because that’s what thoughtful guests do (or offer to do) at the end of their stay.

Overall, even with my own adult daughters, I find it less stressful to just keep their bedroom doors closed during their visits home.

Dear Amy: I am a recent graduate with a master’s degree, and have an opportunity to coach my high school alma mater’s cross-country team this spring while I am home looking for professional jobs in my field (excuse the pun).

I’m excited about the opportunity but I’m concerned about the best way to communicate with my student athletes.

Is it OK to text them? I’m aware that they are vulnerable. I’m also closer in age to them than many coaches might be. I don’t want to cross any lines so I’m wondering about the best way to approach this.

– Future Coach

Dear Coach: This is a valid concern. You should ask the athletic director at the high school to provide specific direction on communicating with students.

There are apps you can use to communicate with a group (about schedules, etc.), which also allow one-on-one messaging. Remind.com has designed an app specifically for educators to communicate with their students and parents. This is done without revealing your (or their) individual phone numbers, thus protecting the privacy of both.

A reminder to never comment on a student’s appearance (including compliments), overshare personal details, or communicate with them about matters outside of your area.

If students don’t respect the professional boundaries you set (by oversharing, making personal comments to you, or contacting you too frequently), you should ask your athletic director/mentor and the student’s parents for guidance.

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