Facing Times of Transition as Your Children Grow

 

Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." John 20:21

Being peaceful with transition is often not easy - especially when it involves our children. Whether we are sending a child off to kindergarten for the first time or to a new school; beginning home schooling; watching a young adult board a plane for active duty in the military; or to study at a far away university, everyday life becomes different and we have to adjust. Seasoned parents offer their words of wisdom . . .

From parents of three young adults, “We try to remember that God has a plan for each of our children and His plan is far better than our own. As they have begun to move on and out with their lives we ask God to help us to accept His plan for them.”

“Despite my sadness, I aimed to be positive and uplifting as my children prepared to move away for school or jobs. I did not want them to feel guilty or heavy hearted as they faced exciting new challenges. I wanted them to know that I am excited for them and will prayerfully support them.”

Another Mom says, “Don’t dwell on missing your children and the time you would have spent with them. Fill some of the extra time with a couple of new activities that you did not have time for before such as a class or Bible Study; re-connect with old friends; volunteer in your church or community or plan some extra time with your spouse. There are many exciting opportunities in which to serve our communities and there are many people who can benefit from our time and talents.”

“I try to be grateful and remember to thank God for the time I had with my children and look forward to future visits and correspondence.”

“Let go, and let God,” is the advice of a mother of three grown children with one who has served in the military. “Stay close to God and pray when that worry bug gets you, for if you are praying you can't worry at the same time.”

“While my friend mourned the departure of her daughter to a faraway university, I found myself anxiously wondering if I would have any solitude and time for chores and activities as I embarked in homeschooling. It helped to remember that this period of my life was a season and to enjoy that season. I may not be able to do all the things I was used to but I would have time for different things.”

Another Mom’s words, “I remind myself that we are all aiming for eternity ~ our time here on earth is relatively short. So when I am missing my children or deceased relatives or faraway friends I look forward to life together in Heaven when we will never again be separated.”

“Being grateful helps to lessen the missing and loneliness I feel. I am very grateful for the ease and opportunities we have today for communication with social media from email, to Facebook to Skype and cell phones. We are very fortunate in comparison to our parents and grandparents who when leaving home often had little and much delayed contact with family and friends.”

“We recognized that when our grown children come back to visit they are still looking for and enjoy the security of the family rituals that they grew up with.”