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Let go

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world has to offer.

Adulthood is no different. Kids move out and get homes of their own. They seem to be oblivious to where Mom and Dad are or what they're doing. Sometimes it seems like they forget parents exist in their big new world. They don't need anyone to decorate their house or cook their meals or fix their car or make sure they wake up for work in the morning. They have friends of their own and jobs of their own and parents are not a big part of the picture. But just like the toddler who abruptly stops playing and runs to find a familiar loving face, so does the adult. At times when you least expect it the phone will ring or the door will open and there they'll be, usually needing to know how to deal with some challenge or dilemma or showing off a great success. They never outgrow looking to Mom and Dad when no one else has the answers. They're never too big to strut their stuff to make Mom and Dad proud of their latest big accomplishment.

Parents are always parents but there comes a time when parents have to let go. Parents whose lives are completely wrapped up in their children have the hardest time making the final cut of the apron strings. They let go of their kids and discover they have no life of their own anymore. They are hurt when their kids jump headlong into adulthood with so much excitement and enthusiasm without them, instead of sharing in their child's exuberance. They've known only parenting for so many years, and some put their empty nest lives on hold just waiting for the kids to call or drop by. There is a better way. Just as kids are learning to make their way in a new world of possibility it may be time for the parents to discover a fascinating new world of their own. When letting go comes gradually with confidence rather than suddenly with dread, the parent-child bond remains strong even after the apron strings are severed.

Learn more about this author, Ceinna Childers.
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