317 Alexa & Me, Taken by Scott, Paradise Valley, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 5.0 1/60, ISO 125, Cropped, Niks Silver Efx Black & White, 11-07-09Please comment and let me know something? I've been worried about my baby girl lately and the reason for my concerns are simple; Did I prepare her enough for college? Or honestly, did I prepare her enough for life without the bubble of Mommy & Daddy?
When she was younger, it was lessons on morales and values, social etiquette, physical health. It was guidance on relationships with friends and boys, it was self confidence talks and success/failures support. But my friends and awesome 'followers' :) I fear I have forgot the life skills of adulthood. How could I have let slip through my adoring eyes and gentle hugs the absolute keys to success for school?
When I asked her what I could have helped her more with for the transition to school, this is what she listed: Independence, cleanliness & organization, financial stability and how to drink with responsibility. (She didn't drink in high school and college life is apparently all about the alcohol, hang overs and classes with headaches)?
I don't understand and I feel out of my comfort zone with being the good teacher? Is this where I stand back and say, "What I've taught is from me to you and what you glean in college will be from you to me"? This is what I do know, regardless of the lack of lessons...I love her more than life itself!!!
Independence is not something that you can teach someone. It is something they have to develop on their own. The things that you taught her during childhood and into highschool are the foundations for adulthood. It isn't your job to teach her how to be an adult, it is all about her becoming her own adult that is so important. You gave Alexa a great foundation for this. She is dealing with everything that normal college freshman deal with. I have learned so much about myself and how I will live mya dult life in my year and a half in college, and Alexa will too. The fact that she feels comfortable telling you these things shows that you did enough to prepare her for adult life. She is a smart girl and learning drinking limits and responsible financial habits will come with time. Don't worry, Misty!
ReplyDeleteLife's lessons never stop. One of the greatest blessings is having people to go to when those questions arise. College creates amazing opportunities to learn about yourself, discover one's strengths and weaknesses and limits. One can be told never to mix alcohol or liquor before beer but until you've experienced the effects of mixing alcohol you're less likely to believe it.
ReplyDeleteAdvice cannot be received until one has a need for it. I'm sure there is a lot about being a Mom you have not yet shared with her but will do so when the time comes. Here's to a lifetime of lessons and conversations discussing possible solutions!