As our children grow and blossom, it can become a scary place. When we grow, things change and feel uneasy. Our comfort level is invaded with new and unsure feelings. Through all these uncertain moments, we must be the ones to help guide and support with a loving hand as our children blossom and bloom.

Help Their New Anxiety

We may be the future empty nesters attending high school graduations or living empty nesters watching them graduate from college. In all the excitement and enjoyment of the day, understand where your child’s mind may be during this time. Of course they’re relieved to be finished with all the hard work; however, the anxiety of moving on is moving into their mind space.

Because it’s a new place in their mind for them to be living, we need to let them in on the secret. The secret is living with the unknown without any need to peak behind the curtain for all the answers. They need to know that they blossom at their own pace, their own way, and in their own process.

Although they look grown on the outside, we must remember to let our children advance in the method they want. Pushing and making requirements on their behalf is not a wise choice as a parent. Offering ideas that include time to unwind is sensible.

Every Blossom Blooms Differently

Our first reminder to our children at this point is to let them see that everyone blooms differently. Some may pick college and some may select a trade school. Some may venture off, and some may want to stay at home. It’s important to offer time for them to decide.  

While they are deciding, remind them of how different flowers blossom. Some flowers blossom outward in a large manner such as a hibiscus, showing its size and abundant color. Others blossom out of another plant in a deviating style. Some bloom differently within a specific flower, but in a different color. New blossoms show out like a firecracker blooming out of the tip of a plant. Some blossom at the foundation of their circumstance, waiting for their sign to move forward, and others bloom so quickly that they rain their beauty on their surroundings.

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Let Them Blossom Their Way

As parents, we must let them bloom in the manner that fits our children the best. We would be smart to look on them as a growing garden. There are succulents that don’t need much water, but then all of a sudden, we see them blossom with the most vibrant looking flowers. Other plants that only have leaves and no flowers turn out to have the most magnificent patterns and colors on their leaves. Some flowers bloom singularly and others seem to have others there to help them through the process.

If we look closely, we may see weeds one moment and then see their true beauty come to light. A weed shows this by shedding its fluffy seedlings as we also notice a single flower that ended up growing right alongside. They begin to live together giving each other their qualities.

Enjoy the Blossom You Created

So if you’re in the presence of your child blooming like a bird of paradise wearing her crown proud or a tall palm reaching high towards the stars, be a wandering bird who looks upon it all in amazement, with love, and offering all the support they need.

“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” ~ Anais Nin \lsdunhi