A little over a year ago, I started a journey to write a book that would help prepare parents for sending their kids to college. Why? Because I sure wished I had a guidebook like this when my kids moved away from home. There were so many things I would have preferred knowing about. And a few that some very wise folks, who had gone before me, shared in advance of the day that I said goodbye to our college freshmen at their respective schools. So without further ado, here is the title and cover reveal of my first book!
Tag: empty nesters
Tips for College Parents – How to Enjoy The Empty Nest
It’s officially fall. The leaves are changing and there’s a chill in the air. When your college kids went off to school it was still the dog days of summer. Which means you will likely see them in just a month or two; for parents’ weekend or even the holidays. Rather than marking the days off on your calendar or launching into uber-Santa mode, I encourage you to do exactly the opposite. Stop. Focus on your needs in the empty nest. Instead of counting days, relish this time that is a true luxury in our over-programmed, technology-driven society.
How To Adjust to an Empty Nest
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.