Moms Talk about Launching Our High School Graduates

For parents with graduating high school seniors it can be a see-saw of emotions. One minute we're pulling out the hankies, and the next we're pulling out our hair!

Some of my friends, also parents of graduating seniors, say their short-tempered kids are "soiling the nest," nature's signal that it is time for parents to part with their young. At the same time, I no longer complain about the loud singing that penetrates every wall in the house because I know it will be much quieter this September.

Many young graduates will be heading away from home in the next few months, even if just across Lake Washington, so how do we prepare them for the freedoms (and responsibilities) that lie just ahead? Some argue for letting go of the leash entirely--no curfew anymore (they need to learn on their own to get enough sleep), no requirement that they clean their room or do laundry on any certain schedule, etc.

While I see the logic to having them learn some tough lessons on their own (no clean clothes, too sleepy to do their job well) it's difficult to let go of these rules because they feel like security ropes--for me.