It's their journey, not ours!

In just two short months, our youngest daughter will wrap up high school. Then just a couple months later she is off to sunny, palm tree filled, Arizona to attend college at Grand Canyon University . She has had her sights set on this next chapter for herself, escaping the grey/cold weather of the PNW, and discovering what she wants to learn and do...and we are excited for all that is to come.

As parents, aside from keeping her on task to meet a few deadlines, we have let her own this from start to finish....and to be honest, have really stayed out of her way. She created her list, set her criteria, prioritized, wrestled with the pros and cons, and made her decision. Of course, we gave her some parameters to work within, discussed the things that she had questions about and were grateful that she applied some logic and reason as well ($$), but it was all her.

I bring thing up because I see a lot of parents making this college transition and decision about them. Speaking to the decision as "we decided" or trying to put unnecessary pressure or influence on one school or another...or school at all. I get it, we want everything to be just right, there is emotional and financial investment in both the process and the outcome. On top of that, we love to live vicariously through our kids, while trying to help prevent them from potentially making similar mistakes, etc.

My simple recommendation is to let them own it. By letting them own it, they come away with foundations for not just college, but life. It allows them to:

• Become independent and able to make big decisions on their own.
• Grow and develop the ability to work through challenges. That's life.
• Establish responsibility and accountability, things they will need it over the next 4-ish years and beyond.

Be intentional about removing yourself, and not making it about you. Let your role be one of guidance, support and grace.

Let's this be THEIR journey.

#parenting #transitions #college