Birds of a feather flock together, and at some point all birds leave the nest to fly on their own. Whether we’ve prepared emotionally for a month, a year, or even two, it seems like it comes so fast.
Luckily, there are plenty of things we can do to ease our worries and take care of ourselves like we never have before.
Prepare Them for Takeoff
Although you’ve been doing it for years, make sure they are ready to go. Recipes, laundry, banking, budgeting… while some of these things will improve with time, they need to know the basics so they don’t end up being ‘that person’.
Ensure the Runway is Clear
A dirty home is easily one of the simplest ways to ensure guests don’t come back. Hammer this point home like you’re a drill sergeant. Keeping surfaces clear and bathrooms sanitized are paramount.
Plan Return Flights
Deciding which events, what holidays and all the occasions you’ll be reunited for can make things exciting to plan. Don’t think about the time apart, consider all the new things they’ll have learned by the next time you see them. Give them reason to be excited to impress you with the progress they’ve made in their life without making them feel like it’s mandatory.
Plan Your Own Trips
Distractions help and you need to have your own life. When was the last time you had this much freedom? Besides, it’s not a break-up. Plan a trip with money you’ll save on food, go on date nights, re-connect with old friends, make new ones, or sign up for a fitness or art class. It’s been a long time since they were born, you were a person before that and you are certainly one now.
Don’t Get Stuck at Customs
Try to recognize that these feelings are normal, and if they become too much don’t be afraid to accept help. Use this opportunity to treat yourself and start looking after your own needs. If you’re confident you’ve set your child on the right path, there’s nothing to worry about. Trust that you’ve done your job and that your little fledglings will grow into the responsible adults you intended them to be. And worst case, they are always just a phone call or video call away.
