Kim Muench, Becoming Me Thought Leader
How do we best prepare for our adult-ish children to GO BACK to school after being around all summer?
Young Adult Launch:
Hmmm…good question. This is definitely a yo-yo phase in our lives as our kids waltz in and out during college and/or their young adult launch. Truth be told, as a mom who is now entertaining number four son doing this dance, I don’t believe there is a magic, 1-2-3 step way to prepare for the comings and goings.
“For some parents the quiet is welcome, for others it, well, takes re-getting used to.”
Let’s face it, there was an adjustment when they arrived back on the doorstep in May and my guidance on the re-entrance would be easier in some respects to give you. For example, if you are going to have house rules during school breaks (which is advisable…yet what those rules are will differ for each family), sharing them with your college student before they return home is a great idea.
Their departure means less noise, clutter, banter, fewer dirty towels, and that sometimes messy kitchen will once again stay cleaner. For some parents the quiet is welcomed, for others it, well, takes re-getting used to.
Parents Weekend:
Maybe sharing what I’ll be doing to prepare for my child to back to college will be helpful.
I’m going to focus on the positive. My son is looking forward to heading back to campus, ready to begin working again on his future degree. I can’t wait for the silly snapchats he’ll send of moments and spots, on campus, he thinks will entertain me. AND those snaps will remind me he’s still breathing and functioning as he figures out the world as a young adult.
I’ll probably open his bedroom door from time to time. And, I’ll admire how nicely he left his room and think about the little boy I once took to taekwondo practice. I’ll look forward to Parents Weekend when we will get to see him again.
A New Phase Of Life:
But, most of all, I’m going to relish the fact that this is yet another phase of life. And one that is allowing me to spend more time and energy on myself. As a mom of five kids, there were a lot of years when I was last on the list. And darn it, I’m worth focusing on!
Cheers to Back to School y’all! Here’s to you preparing for your children to go back to college.
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About the Author:
Kim Muench (pronounced minch, like pinch with an “m”) is a Jai (rhymes with buy) Institute for Parenting Certified Conscious Parenting Coach who specializes in working with mothers of adolescents (ages 10+). Knowing moms are the emotional barometer in their families, Kim is passionate about educating, supporting and encouraging her clients to raise their children with intention and guidance rather than fear and control. Kim’s three plus decades parenting five children and years of coaching other parents empowers her to lead her clients into healthier, happier, more functional relationships with compassion and without judgment.
You can find out more about her mission and services at www.reallifeparentguide.com. She is on Facebook at Real Life Parent Guide, Instagram, and on LinkedIn as well.
