Mar

9

Single Mothers and Teens: Letting Go

Posted by singlemom

March 9, 2009 |

Are you having a hard time with the thought of your teenagers leaving the nest? Apparently, according to friends, a lot of mothers have a hard time accepting the fact that their young adults are ready to move on.

I am not having a hard time with this. Why?

  1. I have raised my daughters to the best of my ability.
  2. I did not raise them to stick around just because this is where their family is.
  3. I raised them to go out and enjoy their adult lives.
  4. I (tried) to raise them to know that work and education were important. What they decide to do with this knowledge is up to them.
  5. I have been preparing myself for their departures from my home for years, in an effort to be sure that I was ready for each event.

Now, I am not saying that I don’t miss Skye, who left home at 18. I do. I try not to let myself dwell on it, though. I’m glad that she has spread her wings and started her adult life. If she is happy, I am happy even though she chose to move hours away.

Zowie will fly the coup next. She has 1 1/2 years of high school left, then will be going away to college for 10 years. I am fine with this as well, though I know that I will miss her.

I have plans for my home. I am turning “the box” (Zowie’s old bedroom) into a pantry. The bigger bedroom will either be a craft room or an office after Zowie leaves. I will be sure to have a place in their for her bed and some of her clothes, but I will be using the rest of the room.

I also look forward to not having such high food and utility bills. This will be a relief, and will allow me to send both of my daughters care packages, hopefully on a monthly basis.

Letting go may not be easy, but their are ways for mothers to try to lessen the impact it will have on their lives.

Shannon

P.S. Why not comment about how you handled your young adults departure from your home. Or, maybe you would like more advice about how to handle the transition. Either way, feel free to post in the comments.

Other Articles of Interest:

How Can Teenagers Acquire Privileges?

When Should a Teenager Lose His/Her Privileges?


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