You've spent approximately two decades getting ready for your child's graduation, and now it's here. You're thrilled for him. You're proud beyond belief. But you're also unsure of what lies ahead for you. Here are some tips for how you can prepare yourself to become an empty nest single parent:
Graduation isn't just a milestone in your
child's life. It's also an opportunity to celebrate the many ways
you have overcome obstacles, set a positive example, taught the importance of hard work, demonstrated the peaceful resolution of conflict, and given your child a sense of abundant and unconditional love. This has been no small task! So take some time to celebrate
you--your role, your value, your impact.
It's true that this time in your life feels like a loss, but it isn't
just a loss. It's also a new beginning. Allowing yourself to take in a broad perspective of what's happening will equip you to transform this bittersweet transition into a personal--and positive--turning point.
As your child exercises independence, he or she may wish to spend more or less time with the other parent. This can be challenging, especially if that parent has not been a big part of your child's life up to this point. Remember, though, that you have given your child the relational skills necessary to make healthy decisions, and the young adult years are a time when he or she needs to use those skills independently, without necessarily consulting you for input. While this may feel like a repetitive loss, you can also choose to view it with complete confidence in your child and what you've taught him or her.
Finally, this is a time for you to explore new interests and do some of the things you occasionally thought about, but never had the time for. Perhaps you'd like to begin dating, take a class, or reconnect with some old friends. Now is the time. In fact, starting to pursue some things "just for you" in the months leading up to your child's graduation will make becoming an "empty nest single parent" easier to accept and transition through.
