She squeezed me tight and, through tears, said, “I can’t believe you’re leaving me.” I started to laugh, “Technically, you left me. And that’s exactly how it’s supposed to be.”
Dropping my second kid off at college last week was hard and good. If I can share the most important part of this whole parenting gig, it’s that she’s ready. And your kid will be too.
I drop my youngest off next year, and I am already planning something to look forward to. My husband and I will take a trip or make sure we have something to buoy us.
I am not falling for the lie that this is the end.
I want my kids to know that I am okay. My girl must have asked me a dozen times over the summer as I teared up at certain points preparing for her college drop-off, “Mom, are you going to be okay?” And I am. I want her to know I am absolutely okay. I may be saying it through tears, but I am proud and excited for her future and MINE.
As parents, we spend so much time preparing our kids for their next steps—guiding them, cheering them on, and sometimes pushing them out of their comfort zones. But what we often forget is that we’re also preparing ourselves for the next phase of our own lives.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that our most important work is behind us, that we’ve somehow peaked when our kids leave the nest. But the truth is, our lives are full of possibilities, new experiences, and dreams waiting to be chased.
We’re not just parents; we’re individuals with our own passions, interests, and goals. And now, with a little more time on our hands, we get to rediscover what makes us tick. Whether it’s picking up an old hobby, traveling to new places, or simply enjoying a quiet morning with a cup of coffee, there’s so much to look forward to.
So, while the tears may come—and trust me, they will—remember that this isn’t just an ending; it’s a beginning. A beginning for your child as they embark on their journey and a beginning for you to explore new horizons.
Let’s show our kids that life doesn’t stop when they leave for college. It evolves, grows, and becomes something even more beautiful. After all, one of the greatest gifts we can give them is the assurance that we’re happy, fulfilled, and excited about our own futures.
So when your child asks if you’re going to be okay, you can smile through the tears and say, “I’m more than okay—I’m ready for what’s next.”
About Our Guest Writer:
Amy Studer is a 53 year old Social Media Manager who lives in Eagle, Idaho. She teaches Reels for Beginners Workshops, has a monthly membership, Social Media for Women Over 40, and is a partner in @ContentClubBoise, a monthly content day for small businesses in the Boise area.
Amy has been married to Slate for 23 years and is mom to Ben, a senior at BSU, Maddie, a freshman at U of I, and Peyton, a senior at Eagle High School. You can connect to Amy on Instagram @theamystuder or on her website AmyStuder.com.