By Elaine A. Malec, PhD

The Beginning of a New Chapter

Ah, the glorious end of summer! The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and your checklist of things to buy for your teen's transition to college seems to be getting longer by the minute. The exciting-yet-nervous mix of packing, deciding what stays and what goes, and the adrenaline rush of move-in day are all part and parcel of the college journey. It's a rite of passage for parents and teens alike, signifying a significant shift in your family dynamics. It's like your teen is in the starting blocks of a marathon that leads to adulthood, taking one deep breath before the race starts.

The Growing Pains: Parenting a College-Bound Teen

Over the past year, your world has probably been swirling with questions about college applications, campus visits, financial aid, and countless essay reviews. You might have felt like a stage manager, overseeing the scenes from afar, knowing your child is preparing to step onto a new stage and perform the grand act of adulthood. Some parents might've experienced an uphill battle, filled with struggles and challenges as their teens hesitated, even resisted, the impending transition, but paradoxically couldn't wait to fly the nest.

At times, did it feel like you were the one building momentum, propelling this monumental shift, while they sat back, maybe a little unsure? When the big day finally came, did you breathe a sigh of relief as you bid goodbye, watching them blend into the sea of other fresh-faced students on campus? If yes, trust me, you're not alone.

Smooth Sailing: When Teens Take Charge

On the other hand, for some parents, the transition might've felt like a natural progression, an inevitable outcome of all the years leading up to this point. Maybe your teen was stoked about joining friends at a particular college or passionately identified with a school, and everything just fell seamlessly into place. As you wave goodbye from the dorm steps, you may be flooded with a wave of nostalgia, a sense of loss or grief, perhaps?

Does it seem like they've firmly grabbed the steering wheel of their life, gradually distancing themselves from you? Rest assured, whether you were the constant reminder or the silent motivator, these feelings of grief (loss) or relief are completely normal.

Coping with the Emotional Rollercoaster

In the initial flurry of the transition, you might've been too caught up to feel much of anything. But as the semester progresses and the 'homesick' calls reduce, the feelings of relief and loss could intensify. It's okay to let yourself unwind and accept these feelings as part of the process.

The uncertainty of whether their transition will be smooth or rocky might hover like a cloud. But remember, there's no need to solve that puzzle right now. Embrace the 'empty nest' feeling; it doesn't have to be overwhelming. Take it step by step, understanding it's part of a process that will find its own way.

Embrace the Journey

Parenting a college-bound teen is an emotional journey, filled with twists and turns. As you navigate through this phase, remember to appreciate the growth it brings for you and your teen. So, here's to the new chapter and the thrilling ride ahead! Buckle up, it's going to be an unforgettable journey.

Blog adapted from an article written in Northern Connections Magazine by the author.