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Posted by Naomi Rockler-Gladen Jun 1, 2007 |
So, parents, you did it. Your kid has officially survived childhood! Graduation 2007 is here, along with parties and tearful graduation speeches, and this marks a huge rite of passage for both your child and you.
What teenagers often don't realize is that this transition is just as difficult for parents as it is for high school graduates. Regardless of how close kids are with their parents, the excitement and chaos of high school graduation, combined with the trepidation of surviving freshman year, can make kids feel pretty overwhelmed and caught up in their own thoughts. They don't realize that parents feel pretty scared about the whole situation as well. Similar to their children, who are dying to get out of the house but are terrified of leaving, parents have a mixed set of emotions as well. To make things more difficult, the summer before college can be a trying time. You and your child may struggle with issues of autonomy as the question of parental authority becomes a little fuzzier.
Parents: while you're helping your kids get used to this big transition, take the time to take care of yourselves as well. To help, here's an article about parenting a college freshman and learning to deal with empty nest syndrome and the confusing process of developing an adult relationship with your child. And if you're concerned about what happens during Thanksgiving and holiday breaks, here's some food for thought about how to make visits home as stress-free and rewarding as possible.