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Ah, spring. The season of blooming flowers, warmer days, and—for parents of high school and college students—an absolute avalanche of change.
One minute, we’re just trying to remember what day trash pickup is, and the next, we’re knee-deep in graduation announcements, summer job searches, and college applications. And while our kids are busy charting their next adventures, we’re left standing here, staring at the calendar, wondering: How did we get here so fast?
I swear, it was just last week that my youngest was in kindergarten, proudly wearing her light-up sneakers and twirling in her ballerina costume.. And now? She’s about to graduate from Texas A&M this May. (Insert me hyperventilating into a paper bag.) In fact, just this weekend, her university paid for her to attend a retail conference during fashion week in NYC. She is on cloud 9.
For High School Seniors: The Exit Ramp
If you have a high school senior, congratulations! You’ve officially reached the part of the ride where you’ll be asked 47 times a day: Have you turned in all your forms? Have you checked your email? Do you know where you’re living next year?
It’s also the season where senioritis kicks in at full throttle. Suddenly, the child who once stressed over a 97% in Algebra now considers “showing up” to be an acceptable academic strategy.
For High School Juniors: Welcome to the Big Leagues
For parents of rising seniors, spring marks the official start of College Application Chaos. The Common App opens in the summer, essay brainstorming begins, and suddenly, we find ourselves in a world of test scores, letters of recommendation, and frantic late-night Googling. Imagine Scholarships is your “go to” resource for everything you’ll need for college applications, essays, scholarships and more.
Juniors will spend the next few months pretending they have all the time in the world, while we, the parents, practice deep breathing exercises and casually slip in reminders like:
👉 “Did you know summer is the best time to work on college essays?”
👉 “The early bird gets the acceptance letter!”
👉 “If you don’t start looking at scholarships now, you’ll be eating ramen until you’re 40.”
And yet, when we suggest a campus tour? “Nah, I’ll just look it up online.”
For College Students: The ‘What’s Next?’ Panic
Meanwhile, college students everywhere are trying to figure out their summer plans—internships, jobs, travel, or, in some cases, convincing us that “taking a break” is a valid life plan.
For those coming home, parents everywhere will soon hear the dreaded phrase: “We don’t really have a curfew at school.”
To which I say: “Fantastic! You don’t have one here either. As long as you’re home by 11.”
And For Us Parents? The Quiet Shift.
While our kids are busy moving forward, we find ourselves transitioning, too. Whether it’s a high school graduation, the last summer before college, or watching our youngest walk across that stage (Aggie ring glinting in the sunlight 😭), spring reminds us that our roles are shifting once again.
One day, we’re driving them to school, packing their lunches, and reminding them to bring a jacket. The next? We’re standing in their nearly-empty bedrooms, trying to figure out whether we should turn it into a guest room or leave it untouched like a parenting shrine.
The truth is, this is what we raised them for—to grow, to launch, and to find their way. But that doesn’t mean we won’t be a little weepy as they do it.
So, What’s Next?
As we all brace for impact this spring, let’s remember:
✔️ Transitions are hard, but they’re also exciting.
✔️ Our kids aren’t the only ones figuring out what comes next—we are, too.
✔️ It’s okay to feel ALL the emotions (pride, panic, nostalgia, and possibly the need for a margarita).
So, here’s to the season of change, growth, and—let’s be honest—holding it together with caffeine and deep breaths. We’ve got this.
Parent Picks: Must-Haves for Graduation & Beyond
🎓 For the High School Grad Heading to College
Academic Planner – Yes, everyone has a calendar on their phone but having a paper version can be critical to your success.
Portable Charger – Because dead phones and no way to Venmo their roommates = disaster.
Great Book for Students Headed to College – Do your laundry or you’ll die alone.
The Currency Conundrum Course – This is an amazing course. It’s like playing the game of Life and teaching financial literacy through real world scenarios.
🎓 For the College Grad Entering the Real World
Adulting Unlocked – Financial Life Skills
Work Tote or Professional Backpack – Because the free drawstring bag from their last campus event isn’t going to cut it. For women / For men
Meal Subscription Box – To help them avoid a steady diet of instant noodles.
🥂 For Parents Surviving This Stage
Noise-Canceling Headphones – These are my favorite because they stay on my ears!
A Really Good Bottle of Wine (or Fancy Coffee Subscription) – No explanation needed.
A Getaway Guide – Now that you’re not tied to a sports schedule, it’s time to reclaim your weekends and plan your dream trip. I lLove the guides this lady writes.
Keep up the great work – I’m cheering for you every step of the way
Sherri