This time next year...

The weather is cooler. The football games play in the background, and senior year homecoming is now a memory. Most seniors are soaking up their last months with their friends and enjoying the security of the world they've known for most of their lives. But, it's all about to change. 

Some kids are eager about their next chapter of life, but I find that most of the kids are insecure, hesitant, and even fearful about starting college next year. Parents may notice more arguing and defiance. Kids may begin to pull away. Don't let these last few months be a time of turmoil. Understand that when your kid shows the most resistance towards you, he's feeling the most insecure about failing you. He's afraid of not getting into that college you really want or not liking it when he gets there. She's afraid of fitting in and missing her family and dog back home.

Give a little extra love to your senior right now! It's all going to be okay! This time next year, the leaves will fall, the temperatures will drop, and your little baby will be taking baby steps all over again. He'll be exploring the world. She'll be making her own decisions. They'll all make mistakes and will need your encouragement and faith. It'll be okay. They will have some skinned knees, maybe make some wrong friends. They will earn some 'A's and then fail a test. They will learn what it feels like to be all alone in a crowded place and yearn to be at home in their own space. Love them and lift them up.

Enjoy senior year with your kids. Don't let the process of applying to college and making all of these life decisions get in the way of just being mom or dad. The transition to college is a tough one, but it's good. The picture above is of our youngest during a college visit his junior year. I feel the apprehension all over him when I look back at this again. But, our baby is now at that college - happy, successful, figuring life out. And the best part...he's getting on a plane home today. 

I am a college admissions consultant who loves helping kids find their path and their perfect college match. If your high school senior is still trying to figure out  college applications, give me a call! If you have a high school junior, check out my Fall Special. College planning sessions start this January.