4 Essentials for Parents of High School Grads

It's that time of year again.

The time of year when high school seniors exclaim, "Finally!" because they thought graduation day would never arrive.

The time of year when parents wonder "Where did the time go?" because they turn around and their 'baby' is a young adult ready to graduate high school.


As a parent I can relate to the almost sudden realization that our child is about to graduate and leave our nest.  I know you are proud and sad at the same time.

I think Find Your Wings by Mark Harris sums up (or should) a parent's feelings at this time of year:

It's only for a moment you are mine to hold
The plans that heaven has for you
Will all too soon unfold
So many different prayers I'll pray

For all that you might do
But most of all I'll want to know
You're walking in the truth
And if I never told you, I want you to know
As I watch you grow

I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things

I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings

May passion be the wind
That leads you through your days
And may conviction keep you strong
Guide you on your way

May there be many moments
That make your life so sweet
Oh, but more than memories

I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things

I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings

It's not living if you don't reach for the sky
I'll have tears as you take off
But I'll cheer as you fly

I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things

I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings

Yes, we have tears as they take off, but cheer as they fly.  Just be sure that you let your young adult soar; don't let them fly while holding onto a tether.

 

 While searching for the words to the Mark Harris song, I found "Roots and Wings" by Miranda Lambert that presents the view of the student:

 So many places I wanna go
So many people I wanna know
I wanna stay
I wanna leave
I want it all
I've got to believe

You can have roots and wings
You can have everything
You can know where you're from
And still wanna fly

Two feet on the ground
Two hands in the sky
You can have roots and wings
At the same time
At the same time

So many choices I've gotta make
So many voices I'm trying to shake
They think they know
What's best for me
But I want it all
I've got to believe

Home is where the heart is
And that will never change

You can have roots and wings
You can have everything
You can know where you're from
And still wanna fly

Two feet on the ground
Two hands in the sky
You can have roots and wings
At the same time
At the same time 

At the same time 

 

 Yes, your young adult wants to fly - to make it on their own - but that doesn't mean they will forget everything you taught them.  It doesn't mean they will fly away and never come back.

They might will make mistakes, but you did, too, at their age.  They might disappoint you, but, sometimes, that is part of growing up.

Let your child (young adult, really) reach for the sky!

Cheer as they take off.

 Pray that God gives them courage to dare to do great things.

 Then get out of the way and let them soar to their God given dreams and potential.

*Note- this post is as much for me as it is for you.

This post was shared at Hip Homeschool Moms