Ways to Cope
1. Allow yourself to feel whatever emotions you experience.
It is normal for parents to feel many confusing and conflicting
emotions when their son or daughter leaves home. These feelings
can include sadness, guilt, relief, joy, or apprehension. Whatever
you are feeling there is little benefit in pretending these
feelings are not there. You probably are not fooling anyone
anyway. A healthier approach is to talk about these feelings
with family, friends, clergy, or some other source of support.
2. Make your own well-being a goal.
During stressful times it is important that you get enough sleep,
eat healthy meals, and get adequate exercise. Spending time
doing things that you like is also an important step toward
your own well-being. Now is the perfect time to find a new creative
outlet. If you have ever wanted to travel, read, learn to fly-fish,
or learn some other skill you have a unique opportunity to do
these things now.
3. Remember that, for your son or
daughter, coming to the university is an important developmental
step toward adulthood.
Your son or daughter attending the university represents your
success as a parent. Getting a college education is a very big
step in your child making more independent choices. Providing
your son or daughter with the opportunity to get an education
is a priceless gift. Be proud of yourself! |
