Launching starts on the day your child is born! The task of the first eighteen years is laying down a foundation of love, values, security and blessing that will last a lifetime.

Finally the day comes when they really do walk out the door as a child for the last time and walk into their future. Here are six ways to make that transition easier:

1. End on a high note. The last few years are as critical as the first few, the bookends of childhood. Take every opportunity to let your teen know that you love them, believe in them, and know they’ve got a great future ahead of them. Send them off knowing without a doubt that you are on their side.
2. Share the excitement in their new adventure. Buy a tee shirt from their new school, pick up items for their dorm room, and plan an event before the send-off to celebrate the transition. Keep your Kleenex handy but try to cry out of sight!
3. Plan to say “yes” when your teen wants to spend any time with you, even late at night. They have to do their own separating from home and may need to touch base with you at their convenience. You won’t regret the lost sleep or time but will have a memory to hang on to in the days ahead.
4. Expect some tension as the day gets closer. Emotions are running high for everyone as well as usually expenses! Sometimes it is easier to think about parting when there is mutual bugging going on.
5. Ease up on the rules for the early teenage years but hang on to what’s the core of your family values. Speak truth with your heart more than your voice. If you have done a decent job with the first part of parenting, your teen will really know what you believe without having to make a lecture out of it.
6. Have a plan for your self for the next day, first weekend, first few months and on to the rest of your life. Your teen will continue to come and go and all the joys of an adult/adult relationship are still ahead!