As the Mother of a college-aged son, I have found this to be very true. I think as parents we sometimes tend to try and hold on to our kids for as long as possible. I have talked with other moms who have made the comment that they don’t know how to parent their adult children. My answer to that is — you don’t.
As parents, our job is to teach, guide and in some cases, do a lot of praying! But eventually we need to feel that we’ve done our jobs and it’s time to let go.
With the end of summer fast approaching, many of you will be sending your sons or daughters off to college for the first time. And for some of you, this may not be your first to go off to college, but your last, and you’ll be entering that “empty-nest” stage.
It is quite an adjustment to find the quiet you didn’t know possible and to discover that your house stays clean longer. But even with all those perks there is still that empty feeling. But take heart, before you know it, the holidays will be here. So hang in there, it’s a new beginning for everyone, be proud of yourself because it is your support and love that has gotten them this far.
Harlan Cohen, author of The New York Times college guide “The Naked Roommate,” offers three basic tips to help in the transition:
1. Use the 24-hour rule. Before getting wrapped up in fixing your child's problem, give it a day. Most problems will resolve themselves.
2. Learn to text. It's the best way to get in touch with your college student and the best bet for getting a quick response.
3. Homesickness is normal. Surprisingly, the solution is not at home. Parents should encourage their child to get involved in campus life and remind them of a date when they will see their family again.
Keep the faith and remember, they are only a text message away!
Peggy Norton is a senior communications and public relations specialist for Texas Health Physicians Group.
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