At Georgetown University's student orientation, Dean of Students, Dr. Todd A. Olson, cleverly used t-shirts to signal important messages with regard to launching students to a successful college experience. At the end of the talk, he recommended that parents leave the college work to their children and all the dedicated people and supports that exist at the university and to try on some new t-shirts.
I liked that message and found myself thinking about what my new t-shirt slogans might be, slogans such as travel, explore, learn, renew friendships, and make new friends.
As I thought of Olsen's valuable message, I thought about the fact that my own children are living independent lives quite different from one another. Each of them are journeying forward in ways that speak to them and avenues that call them. At this point in their lives, I am more of a listener than a director, a welcomer rather than a leader. What does this mean for my new "t-shirts" and this new chapter of life?
First it's essential that I take some time to recallibrate my own life, interests, commitments, and living. What's important to me and what changes will I make? If I'm physically and mentally strong as well as a positive contributor, it's likely that I'll have more to give when it comes to listening to my young adult children and welcoming them home when they visit.
Next it's also important that I do listen to who they are, what they want, and where they are going, and then support their journey as needed in ways that don't overwhelm, but instead inspire and energize.
This change in the road demands financial changes too. As one who once fully support my children's lives, it's now time to step back and let them finance and support their own lives. It's also time to rethink my finances so that, as much as possible, I'm not a financial burden to my children. That will take some calculation in the days ahead.
As I look back on the years of parenting, I'm happy for the children-first attitude my husband and I embraced during their young years. While we weren't perfect parents, I do think that making our children and family as a first priority was positive with regard to our overall living. Looking back it wasn't the things we bought or used that mattered, but instead the experiences we shared, goals we reached for, and support we gave to one another. Material objects alone typically don't bring the kind of pleasure and happiness we hope for, but instead it's what we do together that brings the rich success and happiness we desire.
I liked that message and found myself thinking about what my new t-shirt slogans might be, slogans such as travel, explore, learn, renew friendships, and make new friends.
As I thought of Olsen's valuable message, I thought about the fact that my own children are living independent lives quite different from one another. Each of them are journeying forward in ways that speak to them and avenues that call them. At this point in their lives, I am more of a listener than a director, a welcomer rather than a leader. What does this mean for my new "t-shirts" and this new chapter of life?
First it's essential that I take some time to recallibrate my own life, interests, commitments, and living. What's important to me and what changes will I make? If I'm physically and mentally strong as well as a positive contributor, it's likely that I'll have more to give when it comes to listening to my young adult children and welcoming them home when they visit.
Next it's also important that I do listen to who they are, what they want, and where they are going, and then support their journey as needed in ways that don't overwhelm, but instead inspire and energize.
This change in the road demands financial changes too. As one who once fully support my children's lives, it's now time to step back and let them finance and support their own lives. It's also time to rethink my finances so that, as much as possible, I'm not a financial burden to my children. That will take some calculation in the days ahead.
As I look back on the years of parenting, I'm happy for the children-first attitude my husband and I embraced during their young years. While we weren't perfect parents, I do think that making our children and family as a first priority was positive with regard to our overall living. Looking back it wasn't the things we bought or used that mattered, but instead the experiences we shared, goals we reached for, and support we gave to one another. Material objects alone typically don't bring the kind of pleasure and happiness we hope for, but instead it's what we do together that brings the rich success and happiness we desire.