On his son’s first day of school, this dad did not feel sad. He felt satisfied.
nonplused, in response to A Dad Takes a Moment With the “Measuring Wall” and Discovers Life’s Truths by Matthew Lajoie:
I had no such emotions on my son’s first day of school and neither did he. It was a milestone we were both looking forward too, along with his mother. Mind you he had been to preschool and already knew he would make friends and learn things at school. He marched off like a champ looking forward to the adventure, and I felt this was was what I was supposed to have raised him to do. I felt no emptiness, I felt satisfied.
Same with my daughters. They are away at university now but the house does not seem empty, it seems like it’s waiting for when they come back for breaks. I love that they are pursuing their dreams and taking advantage of their youth.
When I went to university, it was probably against my parent’s wishes, my dad saw it as useless. I had to pay it all myself. But it was the best decision I ever made and I feel proud of my children when they make good decisions for themselves even if that means I don’t get to see them as often.
My idea is that the biggest hurdle to overcome as a parent is the feeling of “owning” your kids. No you don’t. You are there to guide them but they own themselves and you are better off letting them go as much as you can, but always standing in the shadows to catch them if they fall. But let them fall before you catch them.
Share your thoughts. Comments welcome.
Photo: woodleywonderworks/Flickr
