Sweet and bittersweet: Summertime transitions, your children, and you
As you round the corner to another season of milestones with your children, don’t be surprised if a little sadness creeps into the whirlwind of activities. Springtime brings graduations from kindergarten and high school and everything in between, changes in summertime activities, and even saying goodbye to the little things that have become emblematic of the school year that’s coming to a close.
Indeed, watching children grow up is a bittersweet experience for many parents. Milestones like attending sleep-away camp, growing out of clothes, and moving to the next grade in school can evoke feelings of pride mixed with sadness. These moments signify independence and growth but also remind you of the fleeting nature of childhood. Managing these emotions requires a balance of reflection, acceptance, and celebration.
Here are three “tear-jerkers” and tips for how to deal with them.
Gone camping.
Sleep-away camp can be particularly emotional for parents, as it often marks one of the first extended periods of separation from your child. While it’s natural to feel a pang of sadness, try to focus on the benefits your child gains—such as independence, confidence, and new friendships. To cope, you might consider writing old-fashioned paper letters to your child during camp or engaging in solo activities you enjoy while your child is away. A shift in focus can help you embrace your child's growth rather than lament the distance.
“Didn’t we buy this shirt just yesterday?”
It can be emotionally challenging to see your kids outgrow clothes because it’s a tangible reminder of how quickly time passes. Try coping by donating or repurposing the clothes, knowing they’ll bring joy to others, or by saving a few special items as mementos. There’s nothing wrong with keeping that softball t-shirt from first grade, or the shoes your child wore to an aunt’s wedding. Little representations like that don’t take up much room and can make it easier to let go of the rest of the bags of clothes that accumulate over the years.
We’re not in kindergarten anymore.
Watching your kids advance to the next grade can be bittersweet and even heartwrenching. Many parents are surprised at how quickly their children seem to be growing up. It’s natural to feel a mix of pride and sadness when a child moves from one grade to the next, but you can cope by celebrating a child’s achievements and focusing on the exciting opportunities ahead. Building a time capsule with your child is an easy and fun activity that doesn’t have to take a lot of time. You can also enjoy the process of letting school paperwork and other “things” go by working with your child to select the handful of keepsakes that will mean the most to your child years from now.
If you find that you’re unusually sad about the passage of time with your children, please reach out to me. I can help you get through the many emotions of life’s important milestones and help you adopt a perspective that will bring not only acceptance, but also joy.