Motherhood often feels like a wild whirlwind. One minute you’re welcoming your baby into the world, and soon enough, you’re grappling with sleepless nights, endless diaper changes, and the sheer panic that comes with a toddler’s first wobbly steps. Then come the years of driving back and forth to school, music lessons, and playdates—so many that you’d lose count if you even tried. And let’s not forget the countless meals to prepare; how many ways can you spice up chicken on a school night? Yes, my dear child, broccoli is back on the menu.
Then there are birthday parties, field trips, and the inevitable meltdowns over feeling excluded—cue the emergency hot chocolate runs! And just when you think it can’t get any more hectic, enter the storm of hormones, heartbreak, and hair products. You’re left frantically waiting up for him to return from a party, praying he walks in the door safe and sound. And then, just like that, he’s off to college.
And what do you get in return? Silence. Total, deafening silence! Months can pass without a single word from the child you once nurtured and comforted. Now you’re just a relic of his past—an embarrassing figure from a bygone era who still listens to vinyl records while he’s living his best life. Texting him? Forget it; he’s too busy living it up.
When J.K. Simmons won his Oscar, he took a moment to remind everyone to call their parents, saying: “If you have a parent alive, call them. Don’t just text. Call and tell them you love them.” I was so close to leaving that on my son Jake’s social media page, but thankfully, I held back.
To be fair, I visited Jake last weekend to see him perform in a play, and let me tell you, he was swamped! Between writing papers, rehearsals, and a cappella practice that stretched well past midnight, he barely had a moment to breathe.
So, to ease the pain for all of you with college kids and your mountains of unanswered texts, I’m about to share five of my own cringe-worthy messages sent to my son during his freshman year. Just wait until he has a child of his own and starts texting me frantic messages like, “Mom, the baby is yellow!” or “How do I stop her from crying?” Oh yeah, I’ll definitely respond then.
- When I was away for a few days.
- When I went radio silent for two weeks.
- Later that same day. Then two days later. Then three days after that.
- On his birthday. (I also tried calling.)
- During finals week.
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In summary, the journey of motherhood is filled with ups and downs, particularly as your child transitions from home to college life. The silence can be deafening, but it’s all part of the process. Remember, one day they’ll be on the other side, sending their own frantic texts when they become parents.