Mom on a Mission

Monday, May 19, 2014

Muffins with Mom – How does a parent prepare for a child going to college?

I opened the door to my sons’ bedroom one morning and stood there a few seconds watching him sleep. Snuggled under a blanket, his six foot two frame didn’t leave much room at the edge of his bed. As my son prepares to embark upon the college years, I am reminded that his room will soon be empty (unless his brother takes it over).

It can be an emotional time knowing that your first born will soon leave the nest. It may require you getting your heart and head ready. But, isn’t this what we spend 17 or 18 years preparing for? Getting him ready to one day become independent?

As I was thinking about my son leaving for college, I had a flashback to my pregnancy days and reading the book, What to expect when you’re expecting. Now I am wondering whether there is a book titled What to expect in the college years? Maybe the assumption is that by college years parents are wise enough to handle a myriad of situations. Hmmm…we shall see.

So, how does a parent prepare for a child going to college? Here are a few things I learned along the way:

1. Know that you have taught your child well and she will be ok.

2. Let your child know that he can call you any time.

3. Spend quality time together before he goes away – this may be more for you than for your child. For our family, we reinstated family nights. When the kids were younger, we would dedicate one night each week for doing something fun. Usually this meant playing board games or card games.

4. You can give digital hug –in this day and age you can always text, Skype, face time or use some other form of technology to give a quick hello to your child.

5. Turn your energy to yourself – maybe there are things you’ve wanted to do, but have put them off, do them now. Are there hobbies you’ve neglected or old friends you haven’t seen in a while? Now is the time.

6. If you have other children at home, rest assured that if you don’t get the college thing right this time…you still have another chance.

As I closed the door to my sons' bedroom, I left him resting peacefully and thought I have done my best and it will be okay.

Do you have tips for coping with a child going away to college?

Friday, May 16, 2014

Feel Good Friday – A mom and her son - An inspirational story

Photo caption

I came across a poem I thought was touching so I’m sharing it here today.

Family

Source Unknown

I ran into a stranger as he passed by,
"Oh excuse me please" was my reply.
He said, "Please excuse me too;
I wasn't watching for you."
We were very polite, this stranger and I.
We went on our way and we said good-bye.

But at home a different story is told,
How we treat our loved ones, young and old.
Later that day, cooking the evening meal,
My son stood beside me very still.
When I turned, I nearly knocked him down.

"Move out of the way," I said with a frown.
He walked away, his little heart broken.
I didn't realize how harshly I'd spoken.
While I lay awake that night in my bed,
God's still small voice came to me and said,
"While dealing with a stranger, common courtesy you
use, but the children you love, you seem to abuse.

Go and look on the kitchen floor,
You'll find some flowers there by the door.
Those are the flowers he brought for you.
He picked them himself: pink, yellow and blue.
He stood very quietly not to spoil the surprise.
You never saw the tears that filled his little eyes."

By this time, I felt very small,
And now my tears began to fall.
I quietly went and knelt by his bed;
"Please wake up, little one," I said.
"Are these the flowers you picked for me?"
He smiled, "I found 'em out by the tree.
I picked 'em because they're pretty like you.
I knew you'd like 'em, especially the blue."

I said, "Son, I'm very sorry for the way I acted today;
I shouldn't have yelled at you that way."
He said, "Oh, Mom, that's okay. I love you anyway,"
I said, "Son, I love you too,
and I do like the flowers, especially the blue."

What is inspiring you today?

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Wordless Wednesday - National Chocolate Chip Day

Photo credit and recipe

The title says it all...National Chocolate Chip Day! This national holiday is celebrated on May 15th, but feel free to indulge whenever you want and try one of the chocolate chip related recipes below.