Parenting
Our household is currently navigating a wave of emotions: our eldest is preparing to leave for college, while our youngest is embarking on the high school journey. This transition period feels overwhelming, and I find myself grappling for a sense of control amidst the chaos. It would be simpler if I were the only one feeling this way, but of course, that is not the case. Stress seems to spread like a contagion in family dynamics.
Take, for example, last week when my younger son had soccer tryouts for high school. He was a bundle of nerves, leaving me anxious and uncertain about how to best support him. Should I engage him in conversation about it? Would it be better to give him space? Or perhaps we should find a means to distract him? Each time he returned from the field, I attempted to infuse humor into the situation to lighten the mood, though sometimes he would simply shoot me a glare if he wasn’t in the mood for my antics.
To add to my emotional landscape, I’ve been operating on little sleep. I’ve been waiting up late for my eldest to return home after spending time with friends who are also heading off to college. The next morning, I’m up at dawn to drive my youngest to his tryouts. The combination of sleep deprivation and lack of control is a recipe for an emotional meltdown, and it doesn’t bode well for anyone in the household.
Now, with only three days until my son leaves (or more accurately, three days, 11 hours, and 26 minutes according to the Welcome Week countdown on the college website that I just checked), I find myself reflecting on how much I wish he could have left a year ago when he was a bit more challenging to deal with. Back then, I would have happily packed him up and sent him off with minimal hesitation. But now, he has transformed into a wonderful young man who is pleasant to be around and even kind to his younger brother! What’s going on?!
Yes, I admit it—I’m feeling fragile and find myself tearing up over the smallest things. Just yesterday, I received a notification about the delivery of a table I purchased that will arrive on August 25, and I burst into tears. Why? Because my eldest won’t be here to see it. It seems utterly absurd.
Am I sounding a bit erratic? I might be. Nothing feels within my control right now, so I turn to the one thing I can manage: organization. While I can’t dictate the course of life’s events, I can certainly decide what goes into my junk drawer and how my refrigerator is arranged.
Fortunately, my moments of feeling powerless have often coincided with periods of packing and organizing. For example, the chaos of moving after my marriage became more manageable as I focused on sourcing practical storage solutions from the Container Store. Similarly, when I welcomed my newborn, I found solace in organizing the perfect bins and shelving systems for baby essentials. Even during the difficult time of my father’s illness, I channeled my energy into helping my mother reorganize their newly remodeled home.
Now, as I prepare to assist my son in transitioning to college life, I’ve become somewhat obsessive about plastic storage bins. I’ve come across an unending array of bins in various shapes, sizes, and colors. And I can envision a purpose for each one! That blue three-drawer unit? Ideal for school supplies and just the right height for a bedside table! The long bin with a hinged lid? Perfect for stowing away sports equipment under the bed. That little red container? It just screams first aid supplies!
Rest assured, I haven’t yet succumbed to the temptation of color-coded bins or labeling each container—though it’s a thought that crosses my mind frequently, knowing my son would find it mortifying. My husband thinks my behavior is a bit eccentric, and my son merely rolls his eyes, but I’m undeterred. While I may not have control over my son’s future, I can ensure that he will be the most organized freshman on campus… at least until I drive away.
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Summary:
As the emotional upheaval of preparing for college and high school unfolds, one parent finds solace in organizing their home. Faced with stress and an overwhelming sense of loss of control, they channel their energy into arranging their surroundings, ensuring their child is well-prepared for the next chapter of life.
Keyphrase: Parenting organization during transitions
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