[zipster987]

As a college student and poker player, I've had plenty of time spent on this issue with friends and my parents. Most likely you are getting money for school from Mom and Dad....that rules out completly disregarding any feelings they have about it, specially since they are looking out for what they feel is your best interest.

The real reason they are concerned is the number of people that start playing in college and think that the money is so good, its worth skipping class. Then the grades fall, then you buy yourself a car with your winnings, drop out of school convinced you can be a pro. Working 20 hours a week before you go into college and after freshman year should be enough, but after sophomore and junior year you need to be working more. After your junior year, an internship is necessary, like you said, and maybe after your sophomore year as well.

The other thing your parents are probably worrying about is the hermit factor. Playing online poker takes alot of time, and time generally moves fast when your concentrating on it. When you get to college, it's a lifestyle shift. Don't be one of the people that goes to class occasionally, plays 30-40 hours a week, and spends the rest of yor time sleeping. From expierence, those people drop out of college faster then the ones who ignore class, because they have no real friends.

Poker can quickly take over huge chunks of your time if your not smart about it. Discuss these issues with your parents RATIONALLY, even if it takes a letter to start that conversation, and let them know that your not oblivious to those concerns. It will help a ton.

Other quick point: Skills---talk with one or both of your parents about HOW you make the money. Explain how you read people or quickly do math in your head, or the thoughts behind a cold call from late position with a certain hand.

And finally, don't swear at your parents, it comes across badly when your trying to diffuse a fight.

EDIT: One last idea that I forgot to include--Disclosure--Let your parents know how your doing, both good and bad. A little bit of knowledge goes along way. Tell them that your playing really well or that maybe you weren't playing your best at a certain time. Being able to evaluate how your playing outside of monetary returns is something parents with concerns really like.