Your child has just left for college. While you couldn’t be more proud of them, you’re also sad to see them go. The house feels a bit quieter now that they’re gone. Maybe you’re not an empty nester just yet, but the daily rhythms of your life have changed since they packed up their things and left for their new campus.
You know how excited your child was to leave for school and start this next chapter of their life. However, you can’t help but miss them a bit more than you expected. How can you honor those feelings while still giving your child the independence and autonomy that they need? Here are a few tips to help you strike that balance.
Decide on a Schedule for Staying in Touch
You might be tempted to call your child every day. After all, you’re so used to talking to them every day at home, and the thought of going a full day without hearing their voice is strange. However, you don’t want to bother your child when you know they’re busy at school. Plus, you wouldn’t want to make their adjustment period harder by calling them daily.
Instead, talk to your child about when it would be appropriate to give them a call. You might want to commit to phone calls once or twice per week at a time that works well for both of you. That way, you’ll both have something to look forward to!
Send Care Packages
Putting together care packages with your child’s favorite things from your hometown is a great way to express your love for them from afar! You might want to include non-perishable items from local spots that your child has always enjoyed, or other goodies that are hard for them to get on campus. You can also add a cute note. As a bonus, assembling a care package is a fun way to get creative.
Make Plans for Visits
Of course, you’ll want to visit your child at school from time to time. But as much as you might want to see them some days, popping up on campus unexpectedly isn’t a good idea. Go over your child’s academic calendar, and find out which weekends might be appropriate for a visit. Then, find out when it would be easiest for them to come home for a visit. Plan a few special activities for these visits so that you can make the most of it!
Spend More Time on Your Hobbies
You probably have some more free time now. Spending that time on hobbies you enjoy can help you avoid ruminating about missing your child. This doesn’t mean that you have to suppress these feelings. Yet at the same time, you can take advantage of your newfound free time. Embracing the opportunity to try new hobbies, spend more time with your friends, or start a creative project can boost your mood!
Manage Your Own Anxieties
What if you still have lots of anxiety about your child heading off to college? You do not want to project these anxieties onto them, but it is important to acknowledge these feelings. Remember, your child needs to get used to being independent and taking responsibility for themselves. Yes, that means making mistakes along the way. But that’s simply part of learning to be an adult. If you’re struggling with anxiety, talking to a therapist might be a good idea.
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Are you struggling to cope with your child leaving for college? Working with a therapist can help ease this transition. Contact us to discuss your options for scheduling your first session for women’s counseling.