This time of year can be full of transitions for parents and children alike. WIth the school year drawing to a close–events like proms and graduations, and preparations for moving forward to college, high school or even middle school next fall–life can feel very hectic and unsettling. Many people experience a lot of stress at times of transition, when routine is interrupted, and we are confronted with the inevitable march of time. While parents often react with a mixture of nostalgia, stress and pride, students often feel the stress too. Some are concerned about the unknowns of the year ahead. Many, particularly younger students, have a difficulty focusing as they grow excited about their summer plans. Warm weather does not help the lack of focus younger students exhibit.
It’s important to recognize that these events in our kids’ lives may be challenging. We as parents need to have patience, and be flexible in our expectations for our kids at this time of year. We also have to give ourselves a chance to feel nostalgic and realize the significance of these life events. Mixed emotions are definitely the norm. Sometimes, it’s okay to feel a little unhinged and overwhelmed. It’s all part of a full life. Don’t forget to take out your cameras or iPhones and take pictures of your graduates and prom-goers. It’s often that we best enjoy these times only in retrospect, when we can look back at the smiling faces in the pictures and forget about all the stress.
