The time has finally arrived when your little one, who once used to cling to you, all the time, is now ready to take the next big step into the world. Going to college or moving out is one huge transition in life that is enough to give anxiety to parents. You might be feeling overwhelmed by the changes that are swiftly approaching, the things you are going to miss as a parent, and the fear of the unknown after the child moves out. It's completely natural to feel a void, sadness, or overprotectiveness towards your child. We will share some tips that can help you work through the grief of your child leaving for college.
1. Support System:
It's important to surround yourself with a support system that will provide you with encouragement, guidance, and love during this challenging time. Talk to friends or family who have already experienced this phase in parenting. They can offer you some valuable insights and help reduce your anxiety level. Also, there are online support groups or forums where you can share your thoughts and emotions with people who are going through or have gone through the same experience.
2. Stay in Touch:
Communication is key to any relationship, especially a parent-child relationship. Before your child heads off to college, discuss how you both want to keep in touch regularly. Nowadays, there are numerous communication channels, such as text, phone, emails, video calls, etc., that you can use to stay connected. You can decide on how often you both will communicate, what type of updates you want to share, and what time is appropriate for calls or video chats. You can also plan a visit to campus, their home or schedule a weekend getaway.
3. Hobbies or Activities:
When your child is young, a lot of your energy and time went into their care and upbringing. When they leave for college, it's easy to feel a void as you suddenly have lots of free time. Finding new hobbies or activities that you enjoy or have been wanting to explore can be a great way to fill that void. Joining a book club, taking painting lessons, or learning a new skill like cooking can be both therapeutic and fun.
4. Self-Care:
Taking care of yourself should be your top priority, especially during this emotionally taxing time. Exercise, eating well, sleeping enough, and doing things that make you happy are crucial to your mental and physical health. You can create a schedule that includes self-care activities that you enjoy doing daily. Getting a massage, attending a yoga retreat, or scheduling a regular therapy session can be helpful.
5. Positive Attitude:
Finally, it’s essential to remain positive in your outlook. Try to stay busy, focus on new experiences, develop new interests, and keep yourself occupied. Create a vision for yourself and your future that will keep you motivated and moving forward. College life or moving out is an opportunity for your child to explore new avenues, learn valuable life skills, and grow as a person. Celebrate their independence and support their journey as they strive to achieve their dreams.
It's understandable to feel a sense of grief when your child leaves. However, it doesn't have to be a dark and lonely time in your life. You can work through the grief by taking care of your mental, physical, and emotional health. Remember that this is a new chapter for your child, and they will be okay. They have received your guidance, support, and love to prepare them for life ahead. Take this time to focus on you, discover new interests, and grow as an individual. When your child comes home for visits, ideally, you'll both have exciting things to share with each other.