Letting Go of Your Kids

by Linda McQuinn Carlblom
We're in the letting go phase of parenting. Our youngest is sixteen and as I write this, she's in another state with a trusted adult friend from church for spring break. I miss her! But it's part of the gradual releasing of a child that every parent must eventually do.

In April, she'll go on her first mission trip and will be in the Philippines for two weeks. I'm so excited for this opportunity for her, but at the same time, I have my share of apprehensions too. Will she stay healthy? Will she manage well in another culture? Will her cell phone work? Will she do her missionary duties with ease or will it be excruciating for her? Will she be safe?

I am not a worrier by nature. I have great faith in God's ability to care for her and faith in my daughter's ability to handle herself well. But as a mom, I think about those things that might come up. But I've been letting go of this child since she was born.

She was only two when she spent her first night away from home with someone other than Grandma. I thought she'd never make it until morning without crying for us, but she did. Our friends called the next morning to say she wasn't ready to come home yet and could she stay until later in the day? Relief and grief swept over me. Hooray! She did fine! She doesn't need me! Boohoo!

As parents, life with our kids is a series of letting go moments. That first sleepover. The first day of school. A birthday party. Summer camp. Their first job, first date, graduation, wedding. Little by little, that soft hand in ours slides away and learns to cross the street without us. It's how it's supposed to be. But that doesn't necessarily mean it comes easy.

So hold that sweet hand in yours while you can. Let it slide softly away as it grows. Pray hard, love deeply. Trust that you've taught them all they need to know to succeed out there on their own. And rest assured God's eyes are always on them, even when yours can't be.

Links on letting go of your kids.
http://tinyurl.com/75b4ug9

http://www.bhg.com/health-family/school/back-to-school/how-to-let-go-as-they-grow/?rb=Y#page=1

Linda