- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- twins today articles
- twins today q&a
- message boards
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
 |
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
All Alone
When Your Only Child Leaves Home By Gwen Morrison
Pickhardt says that the child who is confronted with those feelings of obligation often feels that he is torn between moving forward to independence and being pulled back into the parental home. "Parents really need to let the child know he or she has their blessing to freely go, free from any sense of payback due," he says. "Parents also need to let the child know that they can lead full lives without depending on the child to fill their companionship needs."
When your only child leaves home, it will be a time of adjustment for both of you. By preparing yourself and your child for the new life path, it can be a wonderful transition into a more mature relationship.
"Let the child know that he will be missed because you love him," says Pickhardt. "Leaving home doesn't mean the end of your relationship. In fact, it usually marks the beginning of a very satisfying relationship with your adult, only child."
Newman reminds parents of only children that this is the time to support your child's forward steps with positive reinforcement, praise and encouragement. You are his only cheerleaders in the home. "The purpose of leaving home is to become independent," she says. "Remember your child's first day of school? You got used to it, and like school, a child going off on his own is another of life's happy, achievement events."
"This is the rewarding period for many parents and only children, when active parenting ends and adult friendship begins," says Pickhardt.
Sit back and enjoy your newfound freedom, and pat yourself on the back for a job well done.
