By Catherine Hickem, L.C.S.W.
Many parents of adult children think their job is over once the kids leave for college, move out on their own, or head off to the military. They believe they are getting their life back after all those years and are relieved a new chapter is beginning.
I appreciate the empty nest; Neil and I have enjoyed it for the last six years. Our children came home during the summer and the holidays while they were in college. Now they are moving on in their careers and time with them has changed. With the change of their life status came the awareness of the responsibility that Neil and I had to adapt the way we parented our children. Yes, they are adults and we had to change the way we parented them because of the different stage of life they were entering.
Changing the way we parent does not come naturally to us. We have to be intentional and focused in order to facilitate a smooth transition in a time that is often filled with challenge, strain, and fear. This season of life is one of the most vulnerable in the life of your adult child; failure to appreciate its significance will lead to division, hurt, and frustration for everyone.
