Sarah Needs Help Getting Through The Next Stage Of Parenting!
They don't put this stuff in the 'What To Expect When You're Expecting' books. It's like they just skip over this entire part all together. There needs to be a book 'What To Expect When You're Letting Go'. Because, that's what I'm going through right now. Letting go...and letting my oldest discover the world as a young man.
I think I've set his foundation pretty good. He's a great person. As a junior in high school, obviously thinking about his future. Yesterday, he met with the National Guard. On his own...I certainly didn't put the idea in his head. He now has the option of going to boot camp this summer, then finishing up his senior year with his friends in the Fall.
When he, very excitedly, told me about his plans I felt a huge sense of pride. Like, WOW, look at him doing adult things. But a piece of my heart was falling apart. In my eyes, he's my baby. He made me a mom. He's taught me what I need to do as a parent to raise my other kids. All the firsts came with him. He was the 'tester' child.
I know it's a mom's job to 'worry'. And that's what I'm doing. I want to be THAT mom that pins a note to her son...as he leaves for boot camp...that says 'MAKE SURE HE DRINKS PLENTY OF WATER OR HIS STOMACH WILL CRAMP'. I'm fully aware this is unacceptable behavior for a parent.
I need advice from other parents. How do I get through this next stage of parenting without completely losing myself?
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