Who said parenting is easy? No one.
Raising a child, caring for them, and tending to their every need is no walk through the park. It’s a wonder how pre-tech parents managed it all with minimal help. These days, the internet is overflowing with information, tips, and tricks to help parents prepare and carry out their roles and responsibilities. And that part’s still easy. You have someone dependent on you who looks up to and listens to you.
The stage that follows though, can be awkward – and may arguably be the most fragile stage in parenting. It’s strange to think that handling a baby is easier than a young adult, what with all the long sleepless nights and whatnot.
But, if you play your cards right, you can build a thriving relationship with your not-so-young one. Just follow these tips:
1. Use Your Wisdom
We were all young once – and you know exactly what that’s about. You think you know better than everyone else. Adults are so old school, you think. Yep, that’s exactly what goes on in your kids’ brains when you try to give them advice. Also, unsolicited advice is more often than not unwelcome by young adults.
And that includes your passive-aggressive tactics such as inviting them to watch a lesson-based movie or guilt-tripping them. What you want to do is keep the lines of communication open and understand that they’re now adults capable of making their own decisions. As parents, say your piece in a non-critical and non-judgmental manner. And your job ends there.
2. The Concept of Respect
Once your child ventures into adulthood, they’ve already become who they are. They no longer need to check in with you or lean on you to make decisions. However, that’s not to say that they don’t need your approval. As a parent, you show your approval of your child by respecting them – and this includes respecting their space, their time, and their decisions. You should be proud of your child’s individuality. Accept it and celebrate it.
3. Evolve
The day will come when your child(ren) will leave home for good and you might get stuck with the empty nest syndrome. This isn’t just about your kid leaving but also about the end of a long-term role you’d been playing. Parenting is all about sacrificing your happiness and needs for your kids. However, when your children venture off to start their lives, remember that your life is starting anew as well. Remember those dreams, goals, and hobbies you had to give up? Now’s the perfect time to pick them back up again.
Congratulations, you (and your partner) are the center of your attention once again.