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The first night of college can be terrifying for students and parents alike, until one mom found a solution.
Lori Miggins recently shared a video on Instagram of herself sleeping in her daughter Taylor’s bedroom. “First-time college moms, here’s an easy way to send your firstborn off to college…” the text on the screen read. “Spend the first night with them!”
The camera then panned to her daughter, while Miggins appeared to be sleeping in Taylor's roommate's bed. Miggins clarified in the caption why the second bed in the bedroom was empty.
“I know not everyone will have this opportunity, but if you can, please do it!” she wrote. “I was very lucky that the athletes moved in early, that their roommate’s bed was available, and that I had the opportunity to spend the first night in my daughter’s dorm room with her. But now it’s time to wrap things up and say goodbye.”
However, after the post was published, many people in the comments section shared mixed opinions about Miggins' parenting hack. Most commenters expressed how much they loved her idea and wished they could have done the same during their own school days.
“I love this! You are an amazing mother and your bond with your children is SO special. It’s sad that social media can be so hateful sometimes. Keep scrolling people!” read one comment.
Another commenter agreed, writing: “You are so lucky, my daughter was a college athlete. The coach gave them an hour to move out and say goodbye, their day was planned from then on.”
Other commentators disagreed with the idea, saying that such parental gestures prevent college students from growing and embracing their independence.
“Ugh. Parents are supposed to give kids wings, not clip them,” one comment read, while another agreed: “Don’t do this. Something happens that first night. People bond. Friendships are made. GET OUT!”
“Look, let those kids go. It’s time to let them grow up, or they’ll call you every time they experience a little hurdle in life,” a third commenter noted. “Love them enough to let them experience the challenges life will throw at them. And of course, you should also be confident and proud of yourself for helping them get there. Cry on the way home if you have to, but remember that you did your job and this is all part of it.”
Miggins' daughter eventually commented below the post, letting people know she allowed her mother to stay the night. “I’m the daughter, it was our idea, I loved it, we got permission… end of story. #noneedtohate #keepyourthoughtstoyourself,” she wrote.
In an interview with TodayTaylor reiterated that she wanted her mother to “sleep” in her college dorm. “We're very close and I didn't want to be alone,” she told the outlet.
The college student mentioned that because she is a cheerleader, she moved into her dorm a week before her roommate arrived, leaving one side of the room available.
“Having my mom there helped a lot with my anxiety,” she said of the experience. Her mother also spoke positively about sleeping in her daughter’s bedroom.
“She’s my firstborn, so the last few months have been really hard, you know, imagining life without Taylor at home,” Miggins said. “There’s fear of the unknown.”
When it came time for mother and daughter to part ways, they did so in tears, but they were confident that Taylor would be okay.
“I got him acclimated,” she said. “We hung out with all his friends, met the RA and ate together in the dining hall.”
The Independent has contacted Miggins for comment.
