Once again it is that graduation time of year, when young people are getting ready to move on to the next stage of life, whether it is college or into the work force. In some cases, it may be the first time you are away from your child, and maybe even in a different city or state. If you are a single parent, your adjustment may seem even bigger. I have 4 adult children and know how it feels, so I can tell you it will all be ok. Your role as a parent is about to change, but not in a bad way. They will still need your love and support, but in a different way than those years you spent raising them fulltime. You now will get a chance to see them start life’s adult journey, and they will need your guidance along the way. But make sure to not over manage them as they head out for more independence. This is their time to experience and grow. This is what you raised them for, and you should enjoy seeing your accomplishment. For those reading this that have younger children, enjoy every moment you have with them. I know I have great memories of my children being raised and things we did. You will be the same.

So what does lie ahead? Not for them, but for you? I am single and empty nest now, and I imagine just the thought of being like that must terrify some people. If you do have a spouse, it could mean more time for date nights, vacations, or even hobbies (remember those?). My 4 children live in 3 different states now, and some would be afraid of their children moving away. Thanks to travel and modern communications, you can stay connected. My vacations tend to be in the areas where they live, for some combined recreation and family time. Regardless of location, they know we will always be a family. If they ever need me, they know I will be there. I have 3 grandchildren and one of the great joys in life is seeing your children be parents. It is pretty amazing, even if my name had to become Grandpa Bruce.

For me, God is always at the center of my life, which means through all of life’s changes I have a stable basis for my life. It gives me peace to know regardless of what happens things will be ok. Yes there are hard times, and as your children leave as adults they will face many of the same challenges you did as a young adult. Listen first, understand, be supportive, and always believe in them. Just think of your role now changing from being an adult playing on a team raising them, to being a coach guiding and supporting them into stages of adulthood.