AFTER DECISION DAY
The Emotional Whirlwind After College Decision Day has come and gone.
The deposit is in, the sweatshirt has arrived, and your high school senior officially knows
where they're headed this fall. But instead of the calm after the storm, many parents and
teens find themselves caught in a new kind of whirlwind.
For teens, the excitement of committing to a college can quickly give way to anxiety about leaving home, making new friends, or simply saying goodbye to the familiar. At the same time, they're juggling finals, prom, graduation and the looming reality of real change. They may seem more irritable, quiet, or even unusually clingy. Its all part of their process
For parents, the pride of seeing their child reach this milestone is often mixed with a quiet (or not so quiet) ache. You may be surprised by how emotional these "lasts" feel —last soccer game, last school concert, last carpool drive. It's okay to feel joy, sadness, and everything in between.
This is a sensitive time. Try to be present, patient, and open. Let your teen feel what they feel, and give yourself permission to do the same. This stage of life stirs up emotions but it also creates a big opportunity for growth for both of you.
Dr. Beth Bochner, PhD is an Adolescent Psychotherapist with a passion for working with teens, college age kids
You can also follow her @BethBochnerPhD
