As your child’s time to attend university approaches, you have to deal with the reality that they have to move out, too. Living closer to campus in their smart condo here in Katipunan will be better for them. After all, it’s less time spent commuting or traveling by car, and more time allotted for their studies.
It makes for a better college experience. You’re aware of this. And yet, like many parents, you might be having a difficult time accepting it. That’s understandable, given that you’re finally leaving them to their own devices after overseeing their wellbeing for over eighteen years.
Don’t let your negative emotions get in the way of your happiness and pride for them. Coping with your child moving out can be done in a few ways.
Prepare Yourself for the Move
Most of the time, the reality of the situation starts sinking in once your child gets acceptance from universities. Parents should begin preparing for the inevitable for this moment, especially if you know that your child is dedicated to attending university.
Preparation doesn’t only imply the logistics of the move. It’s a huge brunt of it, yes, but focuses more on the needs of your child than your own. The kind of prep in question is you focusing on yourself while your child is getting ready for a new chapter in their lives.
One way of preparing yourself is by making a list of things you can do once they are out of the house. This is a new chapter in your life as well, one that doesn’t involve children. You can pick up a new hobby or explore other interests. A trip is also possible, or just a simple meet-up with your friends to bond.
Adapting the mindset that your child leaving can’t be stopped will do you good. It helps you focus on yourself for once, which will lessen the time you spend grieving once your child finally leaves.
Spend Time with Your Kid
The main worry that parents have about their kids moving out is that they won’t be a part of their lives anymore. This is true to a certain degree. If you feel the same, then take advantage of the months leading up to the move.
While your child will get busier near the end of their senior year, they’re going to have some occasional free time. More so once they graduate. If they allow it, you can use up these spare hours helping them plan out what to do when they’re in university.
Give them insight into what it’s like to be a university student. Provide wisdom on what to do once they start living on their own or with strangers. These last moments are somewhere you can squeeze in last bouts of parenting.
Focus on Your Other Roles
Once they’ve moved out, your role as a parent officially gets put on the backburner. This is the opportunity to explore your other roles: an adult child of your parents, a spouse, and a friend to many. Bonding with other special people in your life takes time away from grieving too much.
But it doesn’t have to stop with your loved ones. You can explore new roles as well by taking up new responsibilities and challenges. Some volunteer, while others dedicate themselves to their careers.
The transition to your new life will take some time getting used to. Through it all, with the grief and the packing and goodbye speeches, remember to be kinder to yourself. Not only that, but look at the positive side of things – you have more time to dedicate to your growth.