It’s your high school seniors’ moment, their day, their time to shine. You already know this, but far too often, the parents, the guardians, the grandparents, and all the caring adults do not get the respect, recognition, and reception deserved by someone who played such a significant role in getting your graduate through the last four years.
Today, I want to give you your flowers. Failing to do so would be tantamount to celebrating players for winning the championship while overlooking how instrumental the coach was in their success.
Your graduate is the player who has won their championship and reached a fantastic milestone. You are the coach who guided them from toddler to teen, nurturing their growth and igniting their dream.
You loved them through bad decisions, mistakes, and mood swings. You comforted them during the heartbreaks that might have come from losing a challenging game, not getting the ACT score they expected, or moving on from the relationship that you never thought was right for them in the first place.
You mourned with them during the trials, tribulations, and tragic losses of family and friends. You kept them focused on their grades, hopeful about their future, and now they are ready to fly.
The thought alone of them leaving the nest may bring up a mixture of emotions, but let me say this as you prepare to launch them into adulthood: Just because they are embarking upon a new beginning doesn’t mean it is the end of their need for your love, guidance, and unwavering support.
They will need you now more than ever as they learn how to navigate the rough seas of this world, try on new selves, discard old ones, and become who they are fully capable of becoming.
Before you get to the part of welcoming new worries, walk down memory lane. Pull out the pictures, watch old videos, and allow yourself to crash and burn into a puddle of tears. You’ve earned the right to cry because your child is a high school graduate, and you are a big reason why!
Jason A. Dixon, author of The Youth Advocate Blog, passionately amplifies the voices and experiences of young people. Through inspiring and thought-provoking monthly articles, he critically examines the issues that impact youth today. Known as Coach Jason, he is also a leading youth motivational speaker for middle school, high school, and college students. As the CEO and Founder of Inspire 2 Reach Higher, Coach Jason is passionate about empowering the next generation. Follow Coach Jason on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube to stay connected and inspired.