Watching Them Leave the Nest

Birds build their nests so they’re barely big enough for their eggs. It doesn’t take long for the youngsters to end up crowded out of the nest, never to return. There are times when all parents feel like the birds may be onto something. It might be nice to just force Jr. out into the world, but when the time finally comes for the kids to head off to college, we feel a little differently.

We’re excited for the opportunities that are opening up to them and nostalgic as we consider losing them. We know that our reach won’t extend to where they’re going, but we hope our influence will. We hope we’ve taught them something about navigating life in the crazy world.

The tips and suggestions for parents during this time of life are seemingly endless, but one thing to remember is to give your kids enough room to make mistakes and learn from them. We grow up awfully fast when we’re on our own. Of course, no parent wants their kids to sink as they attempt to swim, so it’s important to keep in close contact. Let them know you’re there when they need you. Send emails or text messages often, but don’t expect instant replies.

Communication is the key to a successful transition. Go ahead and express the feelings you have as you watch them go, so they understand where you’re coming from. It will also open the dialogue so they can share some of their feelings. Of course, it helps if you’ve been open with them throughout their lives, so the whole let’s-share-our-feelings thing doesn’t feel foreign.