Dear Ethan,
As you approach your 21st birthday, I find myself reflecting on the changes that await you. What parenting guidelines still hold relevance, and which have faded into the background like that Little Tikes car you used to zoom around the neighborhood? Now that you’re legally able to purchase a bottle of Grey Goose or enjoy a cocktail at a local bar, I wonder: Do my words still carry weight, or has your growth made them less significant?
Looking back over two decades, it’s bittersweet to acknowledge that your childhood is officially behind you. Turning eighteen may have marked a legal milestone, but as any parent knows, many college freshmen are still navigating the waters of adolescence. It’s at 21 that you truly begin your journey into adulthood. I can see the man you’re becoming, and it brings back memories of the sweet little boy who adored Barney the Dinosaur and carried his favorite Gymboree blanket everywhere.
There’s so much ahead of you, and I can sense your eagerness to dive in. But I urge you not to rush. Embrace each moment of being 21, then 22, and so forth. Think of life as a new football season, filled with plays to learn and games to win. It’s okay to be impatient — I was too. But please, take a moment to pause.
I consciously step back now, allowing you the space to breathe and grow into your own person, distinct from your father and me. I want you to navigate life with a voice shaped by us, your grandparents, your sister, and, of course, your friends. It’s heartening to see you make decisions that reflect your judgment, gradually moving away from the years when you sought our guidance for everything. You’ve told your father, “I’ve come to realize I don’t have to share everything with you and Mom,” and in that moment, I knew we had done our job well. Yet, we are still here, ready to offer advice should you seek it — though it seems you need us less and less.
Sometimes, I find myself missing that little boy with the sparkling green eyes who looked at me as if I held the universe in my hands. However, I cherish the man you are becoming and look forward to what the future has in store for you. I will wait patiently, just as you should.
For more insights on parenting and growth, check out this engaging post on our blog.
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In summary, as you step into this new chapter, remember to savor each moment. Life is a journey, and you have the freedom to explore it at your own pace.
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