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Sending their kids off to a college is one of the most difficult things a parent can go through. You’ll miss your day-to-day interactions and the feeling of just having them nearby. Every day, you debate whether you should initiate communication or wait for them to contact you first.
It can also be hard to balance being there for your child while also not being intrusive. This transition can definitely bring about major changes in your life but if these changes are handled right then it can result in your child growing into a mature and responsible adult.
In the meantime, here are some ways you can stay connected to your child without being too intrusive:
- Negotiate how often you should communicate
- Be open to communicating through other means
- If you feel the urge to contact your child, try texting them instead
- Send them care packages or letters, every once in a while
- Be patient
- Don’t overstep any boundaries
- Avoid any wake-up calls
- Try not to do things without their consent that might end up embarrassing them
- Don’t bombard them with texts every day. Remember that they need some space too
- Avoid making any surprise visits. You should always inform your child first
It can be hard to accept that your job as a parent has changed and that what your young adult kid needs may not be the same as what they needed ten years ago. The best you can do is accept that your child still loves you, but your relationship will not be the same as it used to.
