Letting Go

            I often wonder, what would be harder, letting go of my son, or letting go of my daughter. Not that I don’t want them anymore, but when do I really let them make their own decisions?

            We all hate to see our children fail at anything; but without a few failures one never really gets to learn any lessons. As we all know life is full of adventure, things to do, people to see; but when does it become necessary for them  move on, and leave the nest as many say?

            In today’s economy, I feel that as long as they are a contributing member of the family, giving financial support as well as respecting the house rules, its more sensible to stay at home for a couple of years after High School or College. Many argue that how are they suppose to learn to be independent adults, if they still live with Mommy and Daddy, but they need to save a few dollars before the set out on their own!

While this is all true, and I did leave home very early; it was hard, but the economy was not whirling out of control as is the case at this time.

            While boys are somewhat immature and don’t seem to take things very seriously; letting them go, is hard. When he moves out it may provide some level of maturity, you have to hope your sending him out prepared. Life is not fair and we all know that, your son, my son needs to know that you are there for them; and that it is OK to ask for help. I have seen young men on their own, struggling and making the wrong mistakes; because no one ever told them it was OK to ask for help. That is truly a sign of lack of communication and distrust.

            Girls are more dependent; and they will do all right on their own, but because they are girls we tend to worry about them physically. Having them join a self-defense class, as a teenager is one solution to that troublesome concern. We also worry about who they chose to date and are they making the right decision; will he take care of your little girl, my little girl; the way I would want her to be treated.

Image by Kenneth Hynek via Flickr

            Letting go, comes when the time is right; they know it and you know it; is it going to be easy, no way. Keep in mind that if you did your job correctly, letting go is just another chapter in both your lives.