"After wiping my tears on the drive home and adjusting to the quiet of my house, I was surprised by what lingered. Naturally, I missed my kids when they left for college, but I couldn't shake the feeling of helplessness. My two oldest children are now away at college, and my youngest is preparing to leave the nest in a year. Now, there's nothing for me to do. They no longer need me in the same way they once did."
"I answer calls and texts, but I want to feel a sense of closeness to them. There's a fine line between connecting and hovering. Thankfully, I know showing up at their door unannounced isn't the best idea - at least not if I want to maintain a relationship. But how can I let them know how loved they are without hovering over them? And how could I overcome the restless, helpless feeling that lingers?"
"For my oldest daughter, I was beside myself that she wouldn't be home for our traditional First Day of School Cookies. Her brother and sister would be here, but she would miss out. I quickly got to work baking and packaging cookies to send express mail to her at school. She would love it, I thought. I eagerly awaited her heartfelt reaction. The only problem was that the cookies took a roundabout route across the country."
Parents can feel helpless and displaced when children leave for college and no longer need them in the same ways. One parent mailed homemade cookies that arrived late, crumbled, and stale, revealing the risks of DIY shipping. The parent now reserves homemade treats for home visits and uses professional food-delivery services to ensure reliable arrivals. Regular calls, texts, and thoughtfully timed deliveries provide connection without hovering. Practical support like care packages and encouraging messages conveys love from afar while respecting growing independence and maintaining relationships.
Read at Business Insider
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