One of the hardest parts about being a parent is letting go.
We don’t pay too much attention when our children are babies that one day we will have to release them into the world to start their lives on their own. The only thing we really care about is their health, safety and happiness. We do everything we can to create a life that is fulfilling and nurturing, so that when they are old enough, they will be ready to support and sustain themselves independently.
After years of bonding, coddling and cooing, we eventually send them off to kindergarten, hoping they make friends and do well. Throughout their elementary years, we are involved in school activities, baseball and ballet lessons and of course, carpooling. We dread when they come home crying because they were picked on, yet we understand we can’t shelter them from the harsh world they are meant to enter.
The adolescent years are rougher, with teasing, co-ed parties, hormones and the first kiss.
All the while, children depend on us for guidance, wisdom, support and how to handle life’s trials and tribulations. We hope we do a good job because there are fewer and fewer years left where we can strongly impact their lives on a day to day basis.
Parenting is hard because we work (whether in or outside the home), are tired, have to make dinner, check homework and deal with setting rules and giving structure. We do all this so that our teenager knows that home is the safe haven they deserve. They may hate us, be embarrassed by how we dress or act, yet they know we love them and are there for them when needed.
High school graduation is a turning point — their introduction to adult responsibility and perhaps more freedom. Some children go straight to work, while others go off to college to pursue a specific career. But wait! Wasn’t it just yesterday that we were diapering them and helping them blow their noses? Didn’t they promise they were never getting married and will always be with mommy, forever? Why is it so difficult to let them go, when our job has always been to prepare them for this time?
We need to put this all into perspective.
Yes, it is harder for us than for them. We are the ones left at home with an empty room and memories. Yet, we are so happy we fulfilled our job well and created healthy, independent children who can successfully function in our challenging world. We parents need to be grateful for the blessing of seeing our children thrive and move on. It is bitter sweet, but like chocolate covered strawberries, it’s ALL good.
Amy Sherman is a blogger with JenningsWire Online Magazine. You can read more posts by Amy here.
The post is presented by the National Publicist, Annie Jennings of the NYC based PR Firm, Annie Jennings PR. Annie Jennings PR specializes in marketing books for getting authors booked on radio talk show interviews, TV shows in major online and in high circulation magazines and newspapers. Annie also works with speaker and experts to build up powerful platforms of credibility and influence.
