So your kids are settled into college. Every single one of them. Their requests to transfer money for unexpected Target runs, trips to the bookstore and must-have decor have ceased. Your young adults are making friends and getting into a routine with classes and studying. Calls asking for advice have fallen to a trickle. Instead of holding your breath waiting for them to reach out via text or SnapChat, it’s time to embrace your empty nest. Here are a few things that I’ve found helpful, as a mother of twins, to build upon this new chapter when your kids don’t need you at every beck and call.
The Sophomore Year Goodbye
You’d think that sending your college student off to their second year of school would be easier. Not exactly. Rationally, you know that your child knows what to expect, has established friend groups and either survived or thrived their freshman year. Unfortunately, as parents our emotions aren’t as black and white. Even if your college kid was home for the summer and driving you nuts by the end, you still will miss them. Despite your best efforts, saying goodbye has the same sting, and in some cases, tears, the second time around. Guess what mom and dad? That’s part of growing up. For both you and your college student.
Vacation with Your College Kids? Absolutely!
No, I am not suggesting you go on Spring Break with your college kids. Instead, consider vacationing with them while they are home for a longer stretch of time. When work, high school friends or home have lost their sheen. The memories of two unexpected trips we took with our kids this summer keep me going as I try not to count the days until my son starts his sophomore year of college, and my heart still aches from sending my daughter back to school mere weeks ago.