Years ago as a young mom of four children, I thought my days of babies and toddlers would never end. Diapers, crying, sleep deprivation, laundry and such seemed endless. Luckily, with all the mom work and stress also came hugs and kisses, stories and wagon rides, playing and memories, and school and sports. Looking back now though, I see that those crazy yet beautiful baby days were such a brief segment of my mom life and without realizing it, my kids grew up. I no longer have babies or toddlers or even have elementary age kids (man I miss those days).
Instead, I’m in the middle of having my oldest leave for college and smack in the teenage years with the rest of my kids. Now my stress comes from knowing my mom years will end. As a kid I never had big professional dreams and all I ever really wanted was to be a mommy. Well, now what? My dream years are coming to a close and yet, I have to let go and let my kids grow. I have to be brave and pray that they’ll want to come home again. So? What do I know?Through all of this mothering, I have found that I am the happiest when I’m helping my kids be happy so here is how I am going to find joy in this next stage of mothering.
10 Tips
- Be happy for them
- Be their biggest cheerleader
- Encourage them to follow their dreams
- Don’t hold them back because it’s hard to let go
- Help them be brave
- Show them that change is ok
- Give them space
- Expect some failure – it’s how they learn
- Celebrate their success
- And always provide a place that they can call HOME
I know these tips won’t make saying goodbye easier but I hope instead that they will help you find joy and courage as you progress into that next stage of mothering and letting your cute children go. Good luck and let me know if you have other suggestions for me!
