The time of year is here……graduation. For many parents, this brings about a myriad of emotions, happiness, joy, pride, relief and sadness. It is a bittersweet time when many teens make the transition to “adult” and move out and away from home. Some parents will find themselves with an empty nest and others will still have younger children at home to guide towards their own commencement. Either way, here are a few tips for parents to survive the upcoming months:
- Enjoy the rollercoaster. This is a hallmark of life for both you and your child. Some days will be easier than others, yet try to take one day at a time. You have made it through 18 years thus far and will continue to move forward as you always have.
- Talk to friends and family members about your feelings. There are many other parents who are going through similar feelings or have been there a few years ago. These individuals can be a wealth of information and wisdom.
- Take care of yourself. Do what you need to do to reduce stress on a regular basis.
- Continue to cultivate your own hobbies and interests.
- Be involved in your child’s college or career decisions.
- Take pride in knowing that you have prepared your child for the future.
Happy Graduation!
Good post! I don’t think the loss ever goes away, but if their presence in the home has been fun and loving for the most part, then the loss is bearable. Knowing we have been good-enough mothers is worth taking pride in. When they later say (as one of mine did), ‘Thank you for making us keep the kitchen and bathroom clean – some of my mates think the fairies do it overnight,’ then my heart sings. They’re going to be okay!