A Bittersweet Goodbye: Navigating the Last Summer Together

A Bittersweet Goodbye: Navigating the Last Summer Together

The last summer before my third and last daughter, Ivonna, leaves for college will be a unique and emotional time. It's a season filled with anticipation, pride, and a bittersweet feeling of change.

As parents, it's natural to want to make the most of this fleeting period.

Here are some ways to help you navigate and cherish every moment of this special summer.

Heartfelt Tips

1. Embrace Quality Time:

  • Plan Family Activities:
    • Organize activities that everyone enjoys, whether it's a family vacation, hiking, or simply spending evenings playing board games. These moments will create lasting memories.
  • Daily Rituals:
    • Establish small daily or weekly rituals like family dinners, movie nights, or morning walks to maintain a sense of togetherness.
  • One-on-One Time:
    • Take the opportunity to spend individual time with your teen. This could be a coffee date, a day out shopping, or just a heartfelt conversation at home.

2. Celebrate Their Accomplishments:

  • Reflect on Their Journey: 
    • Spend time reminiscing about their achievements and growth.
    • Celebrate their milestones and the person they've become.
  • Host a Gathering:
    • Consider having a small gathering with close family and friends to celebrate your teen’s upcoming adventures. It’s a great way for them to feel loved and supported.

3. Encourage Interdependence:

  • Life Skills: 
    • Use this time to teach or reinforce essential life skills such as cooking, budgeting, and laundry. These skills will boost their confidence as they step into their new phase of life.
  • Decision-Making: 
    • Involve your teen in planning and decision-making for the summer. This will help them feel more prepared to make choices on their own.

4. Have Open Conversations:

  • Discuss Expectations: 
    • Talk about what they can expect in their new environment and listen to their hopes and concerns.
  • Share Your Feelings:
    • Openly discuss your own feelings about the upcoming changes. This can foster mutual understanding and support.

5. Capture the Moments:

  • Photographs and Videos: 
    • Document your summer with photos and videos.
    • Create an album or a digital scrapbook that both of you can look back on.
  • Journaling:
    • Encourage your teen to keep a journal about their thoughts and experiences. It’s a great way to process their emotions and create a keepsake for the future.

1. Plan a family vacation or weekend getaway.

2. Organize family dinners or cookouts.

3. Have individual outings with your teen.

4. Reflect on their achievements and celebrate them.

5. Teach essential life skills like cooking and budgeting.

6. Discuss and set expectations for the future.

7. Capture moments with photos and videos.

8. Create or add to a family scrapbook or journal.

9. Prepare them emotionally for the changes ahead.

10. Enjoy spontaneous and simple moments together.

Navigating the last summer before your teen leaves home is all about balancing preparation with making memories. 

Embrace the time you have together, support their journey ahead, and cherish each moment. 

This summer is a precious opportunity to strengthen your bond and create a foundation of love and support that will last a lifetime.

Author:

Dr. Michelle Lloyd

Transition Success Coach

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