There will be a period of adjustment.
Adjustment will come for you and for your children. It is harder for some parents and some children than others. Seek encouragement from other parents who have done this one—and survived (which most of us do). Church is a great blessing for this.
It’s OK to cry, but try not to as much on drop-off weekend. (I knew I needed to be strong for my son, so I waited until I got to my vehicle—then I cried all the way home.) Be prepared to encourage your children during this transition season. They will need you more than they know how to ask for your help. They have their own emotional sense of loss. They may try to be strong, but the first semester may be difficult. Remember, they’ve never done this either!
They will come home again.
You feel a sense of loss, but you’ve not lost them. They will be home. It will be different, but it will be great. You will enjoy these times and make new memories. And, trust me on this one, as much as you’ll love them being home—anytime—in time you may even be glad it’s time to go back to school again.
If only we could put a lid on time. If only we could slow down the speed of our children’s lives. We can’t. It keeps moving forward. Enjoy this new season of their life—and yours—like you have (hopefully most) every other season.
If you’re having to do this—it means you did something right.
You’ve done your job well. Most of us want them to mature, grow up, move out and settle on their own. Remember, you raised them for this moment. And many others they will experience.
Celebrate parenting done well. You are sending them out with more foundational wisdom than you think you are. Let your godly pride for them replace some of the emptiness you feel inside.
If the day has come to send them to college—do it with joy! Embrace the moment. These are good times too. Seriously.
Praying for you.
Experienced parents—any other advice you’ve learned?
