Friday, August 19, 2016

Insight - Do as I say, not as I do - By Michelle Libby



At 7 a.m. on Monday morning the school year officially started for fall athletes. Pre-season practices began and all of the athletes struggled to get there on time after months of sleeping in. For those not in high school, it’s time to go back to college or for some go to college for the first time. For weeks parents have been shopping for dorm items, bedding and making plans to get their child to college.  Some will drive to the college, others will put their student on a plane to make the journey. Neither are easy for parents. 

I remember dropping my daughter off at college and how I was tearing up as I walked away. She came running out of her new room yelling “Mom.” It was just like a Hallmark commercial until she opened her mouth. “You forgot to give me the Netflix password.” 

Hmmm. 

She wasn’t as broken up about going away from home. For the teens this is an adventure. For many a first taste of freedom. Think back to your first days of college. Remember waking up in your new bed and thinking that you can do anything you want all day. Meals were made for you and there were a variety of options to choose from. 

If we put ourselves in their places, we can be excited for them and their new adventures. 

Remembering will help us gain perspective on the adults they are becoming. As much as we want them to remain our babies, the best thing we can do is prepare them and send them into the world to become productive members of society. 

We can still be there for support and help guide them, but as hard as it is we need to let them do their thing. I understand how difficult that statement is since I just said goodbye to my 20-year-old as she boarded a plane for the first time to fly by herself. Sometimes we have to trust in what we have taught them over the years. 

Good luck to all the parents sending their children off into the world or who have to be up early in the morning to remind them to go to practice. 

Fall is coming, fast. Enjoy what’s left of the summer.

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