Updated: July 30, 2019
Originally Published: February 23, 2015
The journey of parenthood can feel like a whirlwind. You start with the arrival of your baby, filled with joy, sleepless nights, and the challenges of breastfeeding. As time flies, you find yourself on constant alert for two years, ensuring your child is safe as they begin to explore their surroundings—walking, running, and sometimes falling off the couch in a heartbeat. The years of shuttling them back and forth from school, extracurricular activities, and various social engagements seem endless. The exhaustion is palpable, and the dinner preparations become a monotonous routine. Yes, we’re having broccoli again; get over it!
Then come the birthday celebrations, school trips, and the tears that inevitably flow when they feel excluded. You rush to comfort them with hot chocolate, realizing you’re out of marshmallows and have to brave the cold just to get some. As they enter their teenage years, the landscape shifts dramatically—hormones, heartbreak, and hair products take center stage. You find yourself navigating their social lives, discovering unexpected things like rolling papers in their drawers, and attempting to have important conversations about safe practices. Yet, the typical response is, “Mom, chill out!” as you anxiously await their return from parties, praying for their safety. Then, just like that, they’re off to college.
And suddenly, silence.
Months can pass without a single word from the child you nurtured and cared for. The little one you used to cradle has transformed into someone who finds you an embarrassing relic of their past—”Oh, that’s my mom; she’s from the ’70s.” If you text, he’s likely too preoccupied with enjoying his new life to respond.
In a recent acceptance speech, actor J.K. Simmons urged everyone to call their parents instead of texting, emphasizing the importance of expressing love and gratitude. I was tempted to share this sentiment on my college sophomore’s social media but held back.
To be fair, during my last visit to see him perform in a play, he was constantly busy with schoolwork, rehearsals, and social events. Sleep appeared to be a luxury he could not afford.
To connect with other parents who might be experiencing similar challenges—especially those dealing with unanswered messages from their college students—I’m sharing screenshots of five texts I sent my son during his first year of college:
- When I was away for several days.
- When two weeks passed without a reply.
- Later that same day, followed by two days after that, and then three days after.
- On his birthday (I had also attempted to call).
- During finals week.
It’s a rite of passage, I suppose. Just wait until he becomes a parent and finds himself sending me frantic messages like, “Mom, the baby is yellow!” or “How do I get her to stop crying?” You bet I’ll be there to respond.
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Summary:
Parenting can be a chaotic journey filled with joy, challenges, and the inevitable silence from college-age kids. The transition from hands-on parenting to waiting for a response can be daunting, but the bond remains strong—even amidst the silence.
Keyphrase: College Communication
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