Dear Mom of a High School Senior,
If you’re feeling the urge to indulge your child a little more this year—whether it’s through extra special outings or thoughtful gestures—let me assure you, it’s perfectly okay to embrace that instinct. This year is fleeting, and you won’t regret making it largely about your child.
When my eldest, Max, was a senior not long ago, his younger siblings deemed it “Max’s Year.” I didn’t deny it, nor did I apologize. They may have been a tad overdramatic, but there was an undeniable Max-centric focus that year. When I baked cookies, I often opted for his favorite recipe. I prepared more of his preferred meals and stocked up on snacks he loved. I showered him with attention—not more than his siblings but certainly more than he had allowed me in recent years. We both sensed that life was about to change, and we wanted to savor that last year together.
Throughout high school, Max tackled AP classes but rarely sought my assistance with homework, despite my background as an English teacher. Our discussions about his readings or assignments were minimal. Yet, during Max’s Year, he suddenly wanted my input on his scholarship essays and applications. I cherished those moments. I took every opportunity to assist him—from folding his laundry to running errands—finding ways to make him feel valued. Perhaps I was also seeking ways to feel needed myself.
In that pivotal year, I yearned to nurture Max in a way that his independence and the bustling household had previously limited. I cherished our college visits, those long drives where we could talk and connect. I felt an urgency to impart any last-minute parenting wisdom—did he know how to use an ATM? Did he grasp the significance of making eye contact? I wanted to ensure he understood the importance of consistency, from attending church to keeping in touch with family. From life lessons to everyday habits, I aimed to cover all bases, though I tried to hold back on overwhelming him. My goal was to prepare him for independence while still keeping him close.
I wanted him to miss home but didn’t want him to feel too homesick. I baked more often during Max’s Year, envisioning him sharing stories about my homemade dishes with new friends. My hope was that he would miss my cooking.
Throughout that year, I made it a point to hug him a little tighter and linger a bit longer during our conversations. I enjoyed every casual chat, soaking up as much time with him as I could. But despite my efforts to create lasting memories, time flew by. And it truly was a wonderful year.
Now, we enjoy occasional “Max Weekends,” and thankfully, the other kids don’t seem to mind. They miss him too. Next year will be “Sophia’s Year,” followed by “Liam’s Year” and then “Ella’s Year.” I’ve learned that while graduation brings change, it isn’t the end of our connection. They still need me, and they do come back. After all, I whip up an incredible pecan pie.
If you want to delve deeper into experiences like these, check out this insightful post on parenting during pivotal years. Also, for those considering starting a family, reputable retailers like Make a Mom provide excellent at-home insemination kits. For comprehensive information on IVF and related topics, NHS offers valuable resources.
In summary, don’t hesitate to spoil your high school senior a little more this year. Cherish the moments, make lasting memories, and enjoy this precious time together.
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