It’s that bittersweet time of year again when social media fills with emotional posts from parents whose children are stepping into independence. Cue the tears! Last year, I found myself in a whirlwind of emotions as my eldest, Jake, prepared to leave for college on a baseball scholarship. The night before his departure from sunny California to the Midwest, I shared a heartfelt photo on Facebook showcasing a mountain of packed suitcases. This prompted a well-meaning mom to comment on how “thrilling” this new chapter would be. I couldn’t help but feel a mix of confusion and offense—exciting for him, maybe, but my baby was leaving home!
Take heart, fellow parents, summer will fly by faster than you can say “Put your dishes away.” Stock up on those bulk packs of tissues and fill your calendar with plans to keep your mind busy in those initial weeks. Yet, here’s some good news: even though your kid is off to college, many things stay just the same.
1. They Still Reach Out
During my first year away, the highlight was definitely the weekly phone call from my mom. Fast forward a couple of decades, and technology has made keeping in touch so much easier. I was in constant communication with Jake—daily texts and weekly calls became a lifeline. On Sundays during football season, we even enjoyed long Skype sessions. Sure, my camera was mostly aimed at the TV so he could catch the game, but it was quality time nonetheless.
2. Sibling Rivalries Persist
When Jake left for college, I didn’t think I would miss the constant bickering at the dinner table. But, the first family meal after his departure felt oddly incomplete without that familiar squabble. Fortunately, it didn’t take long for the boys to resume their antics during Thanksgiving dinner, and it was like they never skipped a beat. Seriously, could we finish a single meal without someone tossing a “Shut up, idiot!” across the table?
3. The Snack Raid Continues
Whether your child is at a state university or a prestigious institution, cafeteria food is rarely gourmet. From tasteless lasagna to uninspired burgers, your child will endure their fair share of less-than-appetizing meals. So, when they return home, the fridge becomes a beacon of hope. I sometimes wonder if the Freshman 15 actually happens when they come back home, with all the fridge raiding that goes on!
4. They Still Need Your Support
When Jake’s truck wouldn’t start in freezing temperatures, guess who he called? That’s right—me, even from 1,700 miles away! Whether it was seeking help for a baseball fundraiser or sharing exciting news, I remained his go-to person. Distance may separate us, but I’m still his biggest fan, cheering for him from afar and celebrating every win.
5. They Do Come Home
Let’s be real—things could be a lot worse. They aren’t moving across the globe or, heaven forbid, getting hitched! College is just a small step away from home, and most will return for Thanksgiving or, at the very least, the first time they run out of clean clothes. Before you know it, they’ll show up at your door with laundry bags full of their stuff, declaring, “I’m back for the summer!”
While they may seem the same in many ways, they also come back a little wiser and more independent. As they navigate the exciting path to adulthood, they often bring us along for the ride—sometimes kicking and screaming!
For more insights into parenting and family life, feel free to explore our other posts on the blog, including helpful tips about family planning at Home Insemination Kit.
In summary, though your child may be off to college, the bonds and experiences you share remain intact. They’ll still reach out, bicker with siblings, raid your fridge, rely on you, and return home, reminding you that while they’re growing up, they still need you in their lives.