Embracing Silence as Your Teen Takes Flight

Dear Parents,

As the day approaches for your teenager to receive admittance into their college and eventually leave home after the whirlwind of high school, a mix of emotions is likely swirling within you.

Pride, excitement, and a dash of anxiety are all part of the emotional cocktail that comes with watching your child spread their wings and embark on this new chapter.

One piece of advice to carry close to your heart during this transition:
Know that immediate calls or texts from your teen are (sometimes) non-existent (oh, dear ... I wish there was a nicer way to share that news).

Now that two out of three daughters have left, let me (please) explain. 

The Silence Between Hello and Goodbye

As parents, we've become accustomed to the constant hum of family life, the daily exchanges of words, laughter, and stories. However, as your teen steps onto the college campus, a new kind of silence might settle in. It's not a silence of indifference or distance; rather, it's the quiet space that signifies growth, independence, and the beginning of their journey into adulthood.

Embracing Independence

When your teen leaves for college, they are not just leaving home; they are leaving the familiar rhythm of your daily lives. The sudden shift from a house bustling with shared moments to an empty nest can be both liberating and challenging. It's important to remember that the silence doesn't mean they've forgotten you. Instead, it's the sound of them learning to stand on their own, discovering the world beyond the comforts of home.

Trusting the Foundation You've Built

The silence between calls or texts doesn't signify a lack of love or appreciation. Instead, it reflects the trust you've instilled in them over the years. The strong foundation of values, resilience, and independence you've nurtured in your teen is the very reason you can trust them to navigate this new phase of life. The silence is proof that they carry your lessons with them, even if the words aren't spoken daily.

The Unspoken Connection

In this era of constant connectivity, it's easy to equate silence with distance. However, the unspoken connection between parent and child often transcends words. Your teen might not call every day, but the love, guidance, and support you've provided echo in the decisions they make, the challenges they overcome, and the triumphs they celebrate. It's the silent reassurance that you've equipped them well.

Finding Joy in Their Journey

Amidst the silence, find joy in the knowledge that your teen is crafting their own narrative. This is a time for them to explore, make mistakes, and learn from them. It's a time for self-discovery and forging new connections. As you embrace the silence, allow it to be a canvas on which your teen paints the vibrant hues of their college experience.

From Silence to Shared Stories

In the symphony of life, the interlude of silence is not the end of the melody but a bridge to new verses. As your teen leaves home for college, give them the space to compose their own song. Don't be disheartened by the silence between calls or texts; instead, revel in the anticipation of the stories they'll share when they do reach out. The bond you share is resilient, and the unspoken connection will weave itself into the fabric of your evolving relationship.

So, dear parents, release the apprehension, savor the silence, and trust that your teen is spreading their wings, ready to soar. The journey ahead is a collage of shared and individual experiences, and in the ebb and flow of communication, you'll discover a new rhythm—one that resonates with the evolving melody of your relationship.

Embrace the silence, for it is the prelude to countless shared stories yet to unfold.

With warmth and understanding,

Dr. Michelle Lloyd

Transition Success Coach