Taking our eldest daughter to college was a monumental experience. The weeks leading up to her departure were a whirlwind of nerves, sadness, and a sprinkle of stress. The thought of saying goodbye felt like a weight in my throat, yet a part of me just wanted her to leave already so we could all move forward.
That brilliant show, Parenthood, truly captured the essence of parenthood. I recently revisited the episode where Haddie, the oldest child of Kristina and Adam Braverman, prepares to head off to college. Nothing I’ve come across resonates as closely with the real emotions of this transition as the way the series portrays the farewell to a college freshman.
Here are four ways Kristina (and the talented writers of Parenthood) nailed the goodbye experience:
- The Coat
After years of basking in the California sun, Haddie is facing her first winter on the East Coast, and all Kristina can think about is getting her daughter a warm coat. This moment perfectly symbolizes their mother-daughter bond: Haddie is about to step into the unknown, far from the comfort of home, and Kristina just wants to ensure she’s cozy and protected from the harsh realities ahead. How many parents find themselves racing through stores like Bed, Bath & Beyond or Target in those final weeks of summer, determined to equip their college-bound kids with everything they need? It’s a last-ditch effort to prepare them for what awaits. - The Dinner
Kristina hopes for a family dinner at their favorite spot. Just a few hours together is all she asks, but Haddie would rather be with her friends. She reluctantly attends, only for the evening to spiral into chaos. I remember planning a family barbecue the night before my daughter left. I thought I was being clever by asking my husband to fetch burgers from the butcher, but he insisted the ones in the freezer were just fine. Spoiler alert: they were not. I ended up in tears, realizing my daughter’s “last” meal at home had an unfortunate taste of freezer burn. - Waiting Up
There’s a touching moment when Adam finds Kristina waiting for Haddie to return home after a late night with friends. Kristina can’t rest until she knows Haddie is safe, even though she knows her daughter will barely acknowledge her when she gets in. I’ve found myself in the same boat, sacrificing sleep just to catch a glimpse of my daughter as she comes through the door, offering a quick “Goodnight, Mom.” - The Final Goodbye
At the airport, Adam and Kristina say their farewells to Haddie. She gives them a swift hug before dashing off to security. As they fight back tears, they realize their daughter has grown independent. But then, in a heartwarming twist, Haddie races back for one last embrace, and that’s when the real tears flow. It’s so genuine, so relatable—I can’t help but get teary-eyed just thinking about it.
Often, these moments are portrayed in a perfect, scripted manner on TV and social media. But the reality of saying goodbye to your child is filled with mishaps, awkward moments, and tears—lots of them. It’s not a neatly wrapped series finale; it’s a pause until the full cast reunites for Thanksgiving and winter break.
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Summary
Saying goodbye to your college freshman can be an emotional rollercoaster filled with poignant moments, unexpected mishaps, and heartfelt goodbyes. Drawing inspiration from the TV show Parenthood, this article highlights the real-life experiences of parents as they navigate this bittersweet transition, emphasizing that it’s not a final farewell but a temporary hiatus until the family reunites.