Parenting
Right now, emotions are running high in our household. My eldest is preparing to depart for college, while my youngest is stepping into the world of high school.
I feel utterly powerless as these significant changes unfold, and truth be told, I’m not ready for it. It’s not just me feeling this way; it’s like a collective anxiety that spreads through everyone in the house. Stress is infectious, and it seems to be circulating like a virus.
Take last week, for example. My youngest son had tryouts for the high school soccer team, and he was an absolute ball of nerves. I was tiptoeing around, unsure how to best support him. Should I ask him about his tryouts or give him space? Should we engage him with distractions? After his practice, I’d attempt to lighten the mood with some humor, but if he wasn’t in the mood, I’d just get a glare in return. It was a real challenge.
To add to the chaos, I’m running on fumes. I’ve been staying up late, waiting for my oldest to return home after saying goodbye to friends heading off to college. Then, I’m up at the crack of dawn to drive my youngest to his tryouts. Lack of sleep combined with feeling out of control leads to an emotional mom, which is not ideal for anyone involved.
And now, in just three days (or to be precise, three days, 11 hours, and 26 minutes according to the college welcome page I just checked), my son will be leaving. Three days! Why couldn’t he have left last year when he was a total handful? Back then, I would have happily moved him out without a second thought. But now that he’s turned into a nice, friendly version of himself, I’m left wondering what happened!
So yes, I’m fragile right now, and I find myself tearing up over the smallest things. Just yesterday, I received a delivery notification for a table I ordered, set to arrive on August 25. And wouldn’t you know it, I cried because my oldest won’t be here to see it. It seems absurd, doesn’t it?
Am I sounding a bit frantic? Well, I am. With everything feeling out of my control, I’ve turned to organizing as a way to cope. While I may not be able to dictate the events of my life, I can control what goes into the junk drawer and how neatly my fridge is arranged.
Fortunately, whenever I’ve felt overwhelmed, I’ve found solace in organizing. For instance, moving after getting married was daunting, but I distracted myself by hunting for stylish baskets and drawer organizers. When I had my first baby, I tackled the stress by searching for the ideal bins and shelving systems for all the baby essentials. Even during tough times, like when my father was ill, I found peace in helping my mother unpack and organize their newly remodeled home.
Now, as I prepare to send my son off to college, I’ve become somewhat obsessed with plastic storage bins. I’ve uncovered a treasure trove of bins in every imaginable shape, size, and color, and I can envision a use for each one. That blue three-drawer unit? Perfect for school supplies and an ideal bedside table height! The extra-long bin with a hinged lid? Just right for stashing wiffle ball bats and tennis rackets under the bed. And that little red container? It’s destined to hold first-aid supplies. (Get it? First aid? Red?)
Rest assured, I haven’t succumbed to buying color-coded bins…yet. I’ve also managed to resist the urge to slap labels on everything, which I realized would mortify my kid. But believe me, the temptation is strong. My husband thinks I’ve lost it, and my son just rolls his eyes, but frankly, I don’t care.
While I may not dictate my son’s future, he will definitely be the most organized freshman on campus—at least until I drive away.
If you’re navigating similar transitions, consider checking out this blog post for insights, or explore this reputable online retailer for at-home insemination syringe kits. For additional resources on pregnancy and home insemination, Progyny offers excellent information.
In summary, while emotions may run high during family transitions, finding small ways to maintain control—like organizing—can provide comfort amid the chaos.
Leave a Reply