The Conclusion of Junior Year and the Start of Letting Go

home insemination Kit

Hey there, friends! As we approach the end of junior year, I’m starting to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. My son, Noah, is gearing up for his final year of high school, and it’s hard to believe that soon he’ll be stepping into the world of college. It’s a bittersweet time, and I can’t help but reflect on all the changes that come with this upcoming transition.

Noah isn’t the little kid who used to chase after toy trains anymore. He’s grown into a young man who confidently speaks in front of crowds and has even landed his first paying job this summer! Those awkward teenage years seem to be behind us, and I’m proud of the independent person he’s become. With only a year left until graduation, I know I need to start gradually letting him go. I don’t want to be a complete mess when he walks across that stage in his cap and gown!

Thinking back to my own experience, I remember my mom dropping me off at college when I was 17. Back then, we didn’t have the luxury of cell phones or social media to stay connected. I can’t imagine how she felt leaving me at the dorm, but she did it, and now it’s my turn.

As parents from my generation, we’ve tended to hover over our kids, wrapping them in layers of protection from the moment they entered this world. We were the attachment parenting pioneers, making sure our children were nurtured in every way possible. But now, with Noah ready to spread his wings, it’s daunting to think about stepping back.

Every spring, I’ve watched a mother dove build her nest on my porch, tirelessly caring for her little ones. She stays vigilant, but eventually, she leaves to gather food and slowly encourages her hatchlings to take their first flights. Soon enough, they’re out in the world, ready to soar. I hope to channel that same courage when it’s my turn to let Noah fly.

As we approach this pivotal year, I’ll focus on the small steps of letting go, which will help build my confidence. I know that pushing him out of the nest doesn’t mean I won’t be there for him; it simply means I’ve done enough to prepare him for independence. And honestly, that should fill me with pride—not sadness. I know I’ll be cheering him on every step of the way.

If you’re navigating similar feelings as your kids prepare for independence, check out some of our other blog posts here. And for those interested in pregnancy and family planning, Make a Mom is a great resource, as well as March of Dimes, which has excellent information on pregnancy and home insemination.

In summary, as Noah’s senior year approaches, I’m reminded of the importance of letting go gracefully. It’s a journey filled with challenges, but I’m determined to embrace it with open arms.