This is it. You’re starting to say your goodbyes and pack up your room. Whether this is your first year moving away from your parents or your third, you feel the same; you feel relieved to get out of the house and back to living on your own. I get the same exact feeling when the end of summer comes and I’m getting ready for another year at college. I’m usually so excited to get back to school and see my friends that I don’t even think about how I won’t be seeing my mom everyday.
Now, some days this is a relief just to have some space, but sometimes we forget how much we need our parents. It took me about two weeks into my freshman year of college to find out how much my mom does for me when my phone ended up breaking and I didn’t know what to do without consulting her first. I didn’t realize how much I would miss hearing her voice until about a month and a half into my first semester. I remember feeling so down and the only thing I wanted to hear was the sound of her voice, so much so that when I did call her, I burst into tears.
Living with our parents for so long makes us forget to appreciate the little things that they do for us. For example: going to the grocery store and buying our favorite treats, making that doctor’s appointment for us because we’re too scared to call, and urging us to make sure we have everything set for school just so we are properly prepared. Living with your parents and them telling you what to do may seem like they’re constantly nagging you but they do it because they care. If they didn’t care, no one would ever push you to get your life on track.
We are so quick to run out the door without saying goodbye or I love you because our friends are outside waiting, but our friends can wait the extra 10 seconds so we can hug our moms and dads. We are all trying to grow up so fast that we sometimes forget that as we age, so do our parents. One day we will be in their shoes, and I know that we’ll be desperate to hear our child say “I love you” everyday. Whether you’re off to college or moving away for a new job, remember that your parents are always your biggest supporters and only want the best for you. They have tried their best to get us everything we need. Sure, parents make mistakes, but we forget that they are human as well and we all make mistakes.
I asked some parents what they would want their child to know before moving out, this is what they said:
“Always be aware of your surroundings and use the buddy system at all times when going out. Take advantages of all the opportunities offered to you.” – Mother of 4
“I am always here if you need me.” – Mother of 1
“Be very vigilant about your surroundings, and be aware of the friends you choose. Do not let your guard down.” – Father of 2
“Remember where you come from, who you are, and your self-worth. Also we’re here for you no matter what.” – Mother of 3
“Set goals. Have a ton of fun but always be striving for your goals.” – Father of 2
“Be smart and make good choices. Don’t be a follower; be a leader. Remember to make wise choices when choosing your friends and most importantly, believe in yourself.” – Mother of 2
As you’re rushing to get everything packed and ready for this new chapter in your life, remember to thank the people who have supported you all the way through. Without your parents, you would not be where you are right now.
Featured image via Karolina Grabowska on Pexels
