All Grown Up : The Empty Nest


Otherwise known as ENS, this is a transition every parent or guardian goes through. Whether it’s seesawing between gratitude that your child has made it to this point in their life and uncertainty towards where they’re headed and how they’ll do without you by their side – it’s an unavoidable fact of life.

Your baby’s grown up and is ready to leave the nest.


Instead of focusing on the negatives, let’s focus on what you do best, which is: continuing to be a great support system. Even if it’s from afar.

Keep In Touch…
Although it’s time for your student to spread their wings, staying in touch is important. Not only is it a way to reinforce that you support them, it’ll also allow you to stay involved with what and how they’re doing. 

Encourage Them To Get Involved…
There are lots of campus activities and clubs for students to get involved in. The great thing about these types of activities is that your student can use them to their advantage for years to come. For instance, community involvement is a great way for them to meet new people and build skills that they will probably be able to put to use in the future. Some examples: public speaking, networking and/or event organizing. These are all great skill sets to put on a resume. 

Set Realistic Expectations On Grades & Finances… 
Monthly expenses can add up while your student is in college. From school supplies to dorm supplies, building a budget is key to staying on track. Sit down with your student before they head off and set a realistic goal of how you can contribute and what your expectations are of them in return. For instance, you may be able to contribute to a certain amount, but in order for that to continue they need to keep a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Discussing this prior to their departure will help build guidelines for you and your student and will help avoid misunderstandings in the future.

On a completely different note – it’s time for you as the parent to get involved in activities again. Join a gym, register for a class, start a book club or plan out your travel itinerary for the next six months. Remember all the things you promised yourself that you’d do, but never really got around to doing? Well, those things can begin now!

As a Dorm Room Movers Author, I look forward to your comments here. 

Peace,

Miki 


P.S. You may want to check out Oprah’s version… Although posted in 2009, the article (written by Naomi Barr) gives an entirely new outlook as to what you can expect after your students move out. 


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