I have always known this time of my life would come but now that it’s here, it sure seems surreal and like we got here in the blink of an eye. 2024 marks the end of our parenting years of minor children and transitions into parenting young adults. Don’t get me wrong, with our daughter heading into college next year, there is still some parenting to be done but now we move into the next phase of guiding them as young adults rather than children.

When our kids are little, some days feel like an eternity and to be honest, we really don’t have the time to stop and appreciate the chaos for what it is. We spend our time worrying about everything from their behavior to their health and wellbeing and everything in between. Before you know it, you are just in survival mode of the teen years and then BAM, they are grown-ups.

As I navigate this next phase of life, my role shifts into one where I am still guiding them and providing for them in some ways but also mentoring them and giving the kind of advice and love that will hopefully lead them on the paths to success they choose in life. Motherhood is not easy at any stage and any empty nester will probably attest to that being one of the hardest stages and one that I know is not far off for me. This stage in between feels like the push and pull of still wanting to protect them from anything that will hurt them but knowing that the best lessons in life are usually taught through learning by doing and allowing them to make mistakes.

While there are some parts of this next phase that can bring sadness, there are also some great moments to look forward to. Having a mature conversation with your adult child can be so refreshing and truly eye-opening on their perspectives. It means that any quality time you get with them is truly a treasure. It means you get a front row seat to witness them discover who they are and the life they want to have. It means continuing to be their biggest cheerleader but stepping back on the sidelines and allowing them to shine.

One thing I do know is that in my 20 years of being a mom, I have learned more from my kids than I could have ever imagined. I have seen both of them go through some of the toughest times in their lives and come out stronger for it. I have changed my own mindset and ideas on what I think their paths should look like. But one thing I know for certain is that as hard as it can be, the amount of pride and love is unmatched to any other feeling and one that I will continue to hold so dearly as we move into this next chapter.