Hey there, parents of incredible young adults! March isn't just about spring blooms—it often brings a flurry of milestones for our kids. From graduations to job hunts and maybe even that step towards their own place, these moments can be both thrilling and nerve-wracking—for us and for them.

So, how can we navigate this whirlwind of change while being the supportive, guiding forces our young adults need? 

First off, it's all about fostering independence while staying by their side. Encourage them to spread their wings, make decisions, and embrace their journey. This is one of the hardest things for us as parents to do… to stop being “parents” and start acting like a Coach.  Offer guidance without taking the wheel, create a safe place for them to fail—sometimes, they just need a sounding board, not a GPS.   

Now, here's the thing: it's a fine line between supporting and overstepping. Yes, they're still our babies, but they're also budding adults with their own dreams and visions. It's like being the sideline cheerleader—rooting for them but letting them make those game-changing moves. It has to be their idea… I know this is frustrating!   I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had parents come to me and say “What did you do to get my child to ….” and then when I tell them, they get so frustrated because that’s EXACTLY what they told them! But it fell of deaf ears.   Let’s face it, parents are LAME.  Having a third party to reiterate the same things you’d tell your child can be a game changer.   

Next up, is communication—it's key! But how do you get your young adult to open up?  Well… it depends on the individual but usually providing an open opportunity to spend quality time together works.  Keep those lines open, no matter how busy life gets. These transitions can be overwhelming, and a reassuring chat over a cup of coffee can work wonders.  One of the most common reasons I hear that kids don’t talk to their parents is that they think their parents are already stressed out and they don’t want to bother their parents with their problems.   Carve out time to take you child to lunch, coffee, car ride, hike, or shopping trip.   Let them come to you, and take them seriously when they say “Hey Mom/Dad”.   

Another crucial piece of this puzzle? Empower them to make decisions while knowing you've got their back. This might mean embracing choices that might differ from what you'd have chosen, but remember, it's their journey, not ours. Sometimes our kids think they are doing what you want them to do, but it’s not really what they want. They are just feeding off your excitement for their achievements.  If your child is a basketball star, ask them if that’s really what they want to pursue in college… and let them know that it’s ok not to keep playing if they are just doing it because everyone else thinks they should. 



Lastly, maintaining a supportive relationship through these changes is gold. It's like being the anchor—they might be drifting into uncharted waters, but knowing they can always come home to support and love makes all the difference.  Creating a safe place for them to fall is imperative to strengthening their relationship with you. 

March isn't just a month—it's a rollercoaster of milestones. As parents, let's strap in, cheer wildly from the sidelines, and be the sturdy base our young adults can always lean on. Because guiding them through these transitions isn't just about making it through March—it's about setting them up for a lifetime of navigating their path with confidence. You've got this, and so do they!