Dear Mom of a High School Senior,
If you’re feeling the urge to pamper your child a bit extra this year—whether it’s spending more time together or doing some thoughtful gestures—I’m here to encourage you to embrace it fully. This year will fly by, and you won’t regret focusing a little more on your child.
When my eldest, Lucas, was a senior, his siblings dubbed it “The Year of Lucas.” I couldn’t argue with them, nor did I feel the need to apologize for it. Sure, they were being a tad dramatic, but there was a very special Lucas-centric vibe that year. I found myself baking cookies that he loved, preparing his favorite meals, and stocking up on his preferred snacks. I showered him with attention—not necessarily more than I did with the others, but definitely more than he had allowed me to in recent years. We both sensed that big changes were on the horizon, and we wanted to savor this last year together.
Throughout high school, Lucas had taken AP classes but rarely asked for my help, despite my being an English teacher. We seldom discussed his reading or assignments. However, during “The Year of Lucas,” he sought my assistance with scholarship essays and applications. I cherished every moment of it, jumping at the chance to help him in any way I could: folding his laundry, running errands, and finding little ways to make him feel cherished. But, I think I was also trying to fill my own need to nurture him.
I craved that mother-son connection, which had been somewhat lost amidst the chaos of a busy household. Our college visits became treasured moments, long drives filled with meaningful conversations. I also felt a pressing need to impart last-minute wisdom—had I taught him everything he needed? Did he know how to navigate an ATM? The importance of eye contact? How to maintain his faith even when he was tired? I was eager to cover everything, from essential life lessons to minor daily tasks. Resisting the urge to overwhelm him was tough, but I wanted him to leave home prepared, not sprinting away from it.
I hoped he would remember home fondly and miss my cooking—like my delicious potato soup or pecan pie. During this special year, I hugged him more often, lingered at the dinner table, and savored our casual chats. I tried to give him space while soaking up as much time with him as I could.
Despite my efforts to cherish each moment, the clock kept ticking, and the year sped by. But it was a wonderful year! Now, we have “The Weekend of Lucas” every so often, and the other kids don’t mind too much. They miss him too.
Soon, it will be “The Year of Emma,” followed by “The Year of Sophie,” and eventually, “The Year of Max.” I’ve learned that graduation, while transformative, is not the end. They still need us, and they do come home. After all, I make a mean pecan pie.
For more engaging parenting tips, check out our guide on home insemination kits here. And if you’re looking for expert resources, don’t miss this article on the success of IUI here.
In summary, it’s perfectly okay to indulge your high school senior this year. Savor the moments, create memories, and don’t hesitate to shower them with love and attention before they embark on their next adventure.
Keyphrase: spoiling high school seniors
Tags: [“home insemination kit” “home insemination syringe” “self insemination”]