As parents we spend majority of our parenting lives raising and preparing our children to do things on their own. We teach them how to walk on their own, get dressed on their own, eat on their own, pick up after themselves, basically how to independently take care of themselves. But I’ve come to the realization that no one prepared us, the parent, to see our child go off on their own!
To be honest I don’t think anyone could prepare a parent for this moment. It’s an exciting time seeing them grow up, work hard and become their own person. It’s a true testament that time waits for no one! Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go: And when he is old, he will not depart from it.” I heard this scripture a lot growing up and it was always referenced to me in regard to raising a child in church. Having children of my own, I now see why it was referenced in that way and I also get a different revelation. Train up a child to have a relationship with God, to live a healthy lifestyle, to value themselves, love themselves, how to feel safe in speaking with you, how to pray and be grateful so when he is old, he will not depart from it! I believe that during this transition a new parenting level is being unlocked. Parenting does not end once your child is 18, it evolves. We go from teaching to guiding, telling to listening and modeling to advising. It’s a bitter sweet moment. As a parent of a soon-to-be college freshman, going through all the emotions you can possibly think of, my advice to you is to soak it all in. Let them know you are proud of them and encourage them to take that next step in their lives. Whether they decide to continue off to college or not, now more than ever reassure them that you are here for them through it all. Your child should never have to guess how you feel towards them. Will they be missed? Can they come home? Can I call mom and dad? Are they proud of me? Give them the assurance that all of the training and development that you provided them growing up has equipped them with everything they need to be successful. More importantly, let them know that with God all things are possible and to trust in Him in the toughest of times. There are a few times in life our children have to experience a sense of separation from us. When the umbilical cord is cut and when we send them off to live a life independent of us. Both instances bring our family into new territory, new experiences, new lessons. From the day she was born, Jomaiya has defied the odds, spoken things into existence, pursued dreams beyond what others thought she could achieve. She’s finally ready to fly now. To pursue a new phase of life and we will be there every step of the way. with love, Jomy
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