Motherhood can feel like a whirlwind. One moment, you’re welcoming a new life into the world amidst the chaos of sleepless nights, diaper changes, and endless breastfeeding sessions. Before you know it, you’re navigating the dizzying years of school drop-offs, ballet recitals, and the inevitable meltdowns over missed playdates. And just when you think you’ve got it all under control, the teenage years hit, bringing with them a whole new set of challenges: hormones, heartache, and the dreaded discussions about responsibility and safety.
Then, suddenly, that little one who used to depend on you for everything is off to college. You anticipate the bittersweet mix of pride and sadness, but what you might not be ready for is the deafening silence that follows. Your once-chatty child is now MIA, leaving you staring at your phone, eagerly awaiting a response to your texts.
I recall the wise words of a certain Oscar-winning actor who once urged everyone to pick up the phone and call their parents instead of texting. “If you are lucky enough to have a parent or two alive on this planet, call them,” he said. I was tempted to share that sentiment on my son’s social media, but I thought better of it.
Just last weekend, I visited my son, Jake, who was buried under a mountain of college responsibilities. Between writing papers, performing in plays, and attending late-night practices, he had barely a moment to spare for his old mom. As an encouragement to all the parents out there dealing with the silence, I decided to share a few of the unanswered texts I sent during his freshman year.
- A text from when I was away for a few days and missed him.
- A message after two weeks without any communication.
- Follow-ups throughout the day, spanning a few days afterward, just to check in.
- A heartfelt message on his birthday, which also included a call attempt.
- A desperate text during finals week.
It’s a tough transition, watching our children grow more independent, particularly when they’re wrapped up in their new lives. But one day, when he has his own child, the tables will turn. I can already picture it: frantic messages filled with questions like “Mom, the baby is yellow!” or “How do I stop her from crying?” and of course, I’ll be there, ready to help him navigate his own chaos.
If you’re looking for more insights on parenting during these challenging years, you might want to check out this post on intracervicalinsemination.org. And for those considering at-home insemination options, Make A Mom offers reliable syringes and kits that can help you on your journey. Additionally, for anyone seeking further guidance on pregnancy and home insemination, this resource is invaluable.
In summary, navigating the silence of a college kid can be disheartening, but it’s all part of the journey. Hang in there and remember, one day they might just be reaching out franticly for your wisdom and support.
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