Last year at this time we were preparing to launch our firstborn son into the world. Those were some of the hardest days I have faced as a parent so far. You feel many emotions, and it’s even harder because you have to handle other people’s emotions too. It’s sad to see your family being split up and changed.
Letting Go and Embracing Growth
As parents, we spend years nurturing and guiding our children. We prepare them for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Yet, when the time comes to bid farewell as they head off to college, a wave of mixed emotions washes over us. It’s undeniably one of the hardest things we’ll ever do as parents, but it’s also a moment of immense pride and joy.
Letting go is never easy, especially as parents, but it’s essential for our children to spread their wings and soar into the world. In this blog, we’ll explore the emotions, challenges, and rewards of sending your firstborn off to college, reminding ourselves that it’s all worth it to see them flourish and fly.
Saying Goodbye
The day arrives faster than we anticipate, and as we stand at the threshold of their new adventure, saying goodbye can feel like an emotional rollercoaster. Memories of their first steps, their first day of school, and countless other milestones flash before our eyes. The thought of being apart can be overwhelming, but deep down, we know that this separation is part of the natural process of growth and self-discovery.
For us the goodbye, driving the 3.5 hours home and the first few days were the hardest. Our youngest took this goodbye very hard and watching him become so emotional was a really big struggle. After arriving home, my husband and I moped around for the first few days but then realized that we still have three kids here counting on us to keep our family going. So we had to move forward and embrace this new normal.
Embracing Change
Letting our children leave the nest is a testament to the love and trust we’ve instilled in them over the years. College is not just about academics; it’s an opportunity for personal growth, independence, and building life skills. As parents, we must embrace this change and believe in the strong foundation we’ve laid for them. While it might be tough at first, watching them adapt, learn, and make their way in the world will be one of the most gratifying experiences we can have as parents.
Every time our son came home and shared all of the positive and wonderful experiences he was having, it made the next “goodbye” a little easier. To see him excited to be at school and settle into new friendships just brought so much joy to my heart. I had prayed for these days long before they were our reality and I could not have hand-picked the life that now lay in front of our son any better than the prayers that were being answered right in front of my eyes.
Support and Encouragement
Though we may feel a void in our lives after they leave, our role as parents doesn’t end – it merely evolves. Our support and encouragement continue to be invaluable during this transition. Offering a listening ear, providing guidance when needed, and being their cheerleader from afar will mean the world to them. Knowing that we’re still by their side, even in this new chapter of their life, gives them the confidence to tackle challenges head-on.
Self-Reflection and Growth
As parents, this time also offers us an opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth. While we miss our child’s presence in our daily lives, we can rediscover our passions, invest in our relationships, and explore new interests. The journey of parenthood continually evolves. We can find fulfillment in supporting each of our children’s journeys while also enriching our own lives.
A Parenting Journey Worth Taking
As the days turn into weeks, and the weeks into months, we witness our children blossom in ways we could have only imagined. The transformation they undergo in college is awe-inspiring. They form lifelong friendships, become more independent, and develop a sense of responsibility that prepares them for the challenges of adulthood.
Seeing them spread their wings and fly confidently toward their dreams makes every tear shed during the goodbye worth it. This is a time for us to be proud, now only of our children but to be proud of ourselves! I know not every day is perfect, our firstborn was a strong-willed child and there were days that I didn’t know how we would get through breakfast. But we just kept changing and figuring out each day as it came. Parenting is a journey and we are so very lucky that God chose us specifically for our children and our family!
Sending your firstborn off to college is undeniably one of the hardest things you’ll ever do as a parent. However, it’s a profound expression of love, trust, and belief in the person they’ve become. Embrace the journey of growth and self-discovery, knowing that your support and encouragement have laid the foundation for their success. Cherish the memories, celebrate their achievements, and revel in the knowledge that, by letting go, you’ve given them the wings they need to fly high and make a difference in the world. Now hang on and enjoy the ride!
P.S. I’ll let you know next year if sending the second one off to college is any easier!
Top Products for College
Here are a few products on our Pinterest account of products that were must haves as we sent Owen to college.
