The director of my children’s preschool once remarked, “Parenting is essentially a series of good-byes.” At that moment, she aimed to ease the worries of anxious first-time parents leaving their kids for a few hours at school. Her statement has lingered with me, as it poignantly captures the essence of parenting: a continuous process of letting go.
Milestones and Promotions
Recently, my children experienced significant milestones—one completed elementary school while the other wrapped up middle school. The term “promotion” is used instead of “graduation,” likely because they aren’t receiving formal degrees, yet it allows us to acknowledge this pivotal moment.
I took the customary photos of my kids in their outfits, which will probably only see the light of day once. I managed to snap a picture of Ben as he exited with a crowd of 450 unfamiliar middle-schoolers. Unfortunately, I missed one of Ava because we were seated on the wrong side of the auditorium. I shared these moments on social media with a light-hearted comment about them growing up, but deep down, I feel an overwhelming urge to cry.
Growing Independence
They are maturing rapidly, becoming more aware of the world around them. Their lives are increasingly independent from ours, filled with friendships and feelings they sometimes choose not to share. Even in the same house, they spend significant time apart from us. They are naturally beginning to create distance, as is expected, and as we, as parents, are meant to encourage.
In just four years, my eldest will depart for college. This time frame feels alarmingly short. I find myself saying, “Let me teach you this; it might be useful when you’re in college.” They often look at me as if I’ve lost my mind, rolling their eyes but occasionally humoring me. They don’t yet grasp how swiftly their remaining time at home will slip away.
The Emotional Challenge of Letting Go
This experience is part of that extended farewell. It’s a journey filled with milestones that signal their growth, yet we can never truly prepare for it. Our role as parents involves gradually allowing them to spread their wings and venture out on their own.
Despite my intellectual understanding of this necessity, emotionally, I find it incredibly difficult to release them.
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Conclusion
In summary, parenting is a continuous process of letting go as children grow and gain independence. Each milestone serves as a reminder of the inevitable good-byes we must face, even when our hearts struggle to accept the changes.