My youngest daughter, a freshman, just called in tears. She not only has a bad cold, but her roommate wants to move out. (I think, because the roommate has been involved with a heavy drinking crowd and my daughter doesn't drink.) College isn't turning out like my daughter thought, she's homesick and blue.

I gave her a sympathetic ear and finally suggested two courses of action - seeing someone at the Health Center, and then talking to her dorm's RA (resident advisor) regarding the roommate situation (without mentioning the drinking). My daughter HAS made some friends there but I think she's more upset about possibly losing an old friend (the roommate was a high school buddy).

I'm still needed as a mom(!) but I feel bad for her unhappiness.