Dear Parents of High School Juniors,
Your time is almost here. The time when your teen will start the first of many lasts.
It happens every year for me as a college admissions counselor; I see families go through it annually. My family went through it a few years ago when my oldest graduated from high school and my youngest (twins) will be graduating next year.
But these lasts are unique. You usually don’t recall the last of anything you do. Can you recall the last time you did a cartwheel? Or what did you eat for dinner last Thursday? These lasts, with your teen will fade into the past as well and life will move on to a new and exciting chapter.
So here is my advice from someone who has not only lived through it as a mom but also guides parents through it on an annual basis.
Embrace their senior year: This is a great time to feel their presence not only physically but also socially and emotionally. So whether they are your oldest or youngest, your family dynamic will inevitably change. Embrace it. Don’t reject or resist it.
2. Lead by example: Change is the only constant in life. Show them that you can handle and prepare for the transition from them being a senior in high school to leaving for college with ease and grace. If you can handle it, then they can too. If you share too much of your sadness or sorrow for the change, they might internalize it and their transition to college might be more difficult. Your job is to prepare them to leave the nest, confident and ready to take on the next step in life.
3. Prepare: This leads me to say, focusing on the next step will help you do what is stated in #2. Share with your teen your enthusiasm for them to move on to college. Embrace it, don’t show them your sadness to the point they feel sad too. They need to prepare, as do you, so discuss what needs to be done before they leave; prom, graduation, final exams, AP exams, summer plans, first year orientation, what to pack, communicating with their roommate. Also, discuss the necessary legal documents that you may want to sign. (Reach out to me and I can explain in more detail).
4. Celebrate: Last, but not least, make sure you celebrate their accomplishments. High school should not just be seen as a stepping stone to college but a time of enormous growth and development in their young lives. No matter where they are in their journey they are unique. Celebrate. And congratulations!