Dear Emma

I’m worried. My daughter; a strong, smart, talented woman is a student at Wazzu. She stayed there during the pandemic, and I know it was probably a good idea. She’s probably safer there than at home on the West Side with her parents.

I’m worried that she will be lonely there, or start to feel overwhelmed. She’s never been through a pandemic before.

I want her to know that her Dad is there for her for anything she needs – but I don’t want to smother her. I can come get her if she wants, or listen to her on the phone, or mail her snacks.

How can I tell her this? Is there anything else I can do?

Concerned Coug Dad

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Dear Concerned Coug Dad,

It sounds like your daughter is trying to keep you and herself safe by staying at school during the pandemic. I imagine she weighed her options and thought staying in Pullman would be the best way to “Stay home, Stay healthy” while waiting for the virus to run its course.

Now, I’m not a parent, but I have two pretty dang good ones. They are doing great keeping up with me without smothering. We call at least once a week and send messages in a group chat almost every day. I don’t know what you do currently to stay in touch with your daughter, but maybe consider different platforms for communication. 

College students love snacks, so that is a great suggestion. However, healthy snacks might be the way to go since so many people are staying inside and eating more than they should. Ask your daughter what she would like; I’m sure she has a list of things she would enjoy. 

The good news is, you don’t have to wait too much longer to see her. There are just three short weeks left in the semester, so I’m sure she’ll be back home in no time.

You’re doing great and your letter is proof of that! Don’t worry too much. If you’ve made it this far as her dad, you’ll get through this and it will be a fleeting memory soon enough. 

Please remember to stay home as much as you can. The last thing your daughter wants is for you to get sick — especially since that’s probably one of the main reasons she stayed at school. 

You got this!

Emma