The Changing Role of a Parent; a Time of Growth
I woke up anxious as hell this morning. The anxiety was not work related, nor was it related to having to say farewell to a relaxing weekend. I was anxious because it was the first day of high school band camp for my son (he is a freshman). As I stumbled to the kitchen to make my first cup of coffee, wise words of my dear friend Michelle played in my head; remember not to transfer my feelings on to my son. I need to afford him the gift of creating his own experience. (Thank you, Michelle!) Along with those wise words came a flood of memories; his first smile, the first time he said “Ma Ma”, his first day of Kindergarten. There have been many firsts and with each has come a new parental role or way of being with my son, as well as growth.
This morning was really no different, as far as firsts go…ok, who am I kidding? It was different. Here was this bright, confident young man (who now stands taller than me), embarking on a new journey and my role was not to stay and make sure he got settled in. As a matter of fact, when I went to check to make sure he had everything he needed his response was, “See you later, Mom.” It was at that moment that it was clear, my role was to continue to be supportive and loving, but to untie the apron strings and let him stand straight and tall without the aid of those strings.
We have taken a turn, my son and I, in our journey together. He has become more self-sufficient (which is what you hope for as a parent) and so he does not need me in the same way he once did (which I know is a good thing). While my parental role is changing (once again) and a new growing pain has presented itself, there is one thing that will forever be a constant; how much I love that young man and how very proud I am of him. He is a blessing and a gift and I thank him from the bottom of my heart for helping me to not only grow as a parent, but as a person.
This morning was really no different, as far as firsts go…ok, who am I kidding? It was different. Here was this bright, confident young man (who now stands taller than me), embarking on a new journey and my role was not to stay and make sure he got settled in. As a matter of fact, when I went to check to make sure he had everything he needed his response was, “See you later, Mom.” It was at that moment that it was clear, my role was to continue to be supportive and loving, but to untie the apron strings and let him stand straight and tall without the aid of those strings.
We have taken a turn, my son and I, in our journey together. He has become more self-sufficient (which is what you hope for as a parent) and so he does not need me in the same way he once did (which I know is a good thing). While my parental role is changing (once again) and a new growing pain has presented itself, there is one thing that will forever be a constant; how much I love that young man and how very proud I am of him. He is a blessing and a gift and I thank him from the bottom of my heart for helping me to not only grow as a parent, but as a person.
