Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:One thing I have told my daughter, which tends to be the opposite of this uber academic area is:
Have fun. Make mistakes. Keep being a kid. Stop over stressing about grades. Work hard but don't overwork. These are potentially some of the best years of your life but if it is full of pressure, stress, lack of sleep and anxiety - you won't be able to enjoy it.
You only have 18 years old childhood and what seems like a lifetime of boring adulthood. Embrace this time. Be kind, be adventurous, don't worry about figuring yourself out and just live in the moment. It will be over way too quick and the last thing you want to do it regret these 4 years.
Love this!
I posted above (my youngest just graduated from HS); just want to add . . .
find a sherpa -- befriend a generous-spirited parent with a kid who's a grade or two above and who has similar interests to your child's -- this person can provide a wealth of sensible advice;
be a loving, non-anxious presence -- cultivate a calm tone of voice; -- when a problem arises, say to your child, "hmmm that's a problem, what do you want to do about it?" (this I learned at orientation at my older son's college when the dean had the entire assembled parent body repeat this 3X
)
also, don't fear the empty nest -- it's kinda fun, actually!
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