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Ah… Senior year. This is a tough one, is it not? I swear it was yesterday I would put Natalie on my lap and we would snuggle on the couch before preschool. And now I watch her drive off to school, knowing we’ve only got a few more months of school day mornings together. If you have a high school senior, you know how quickly this year arrived. And regardless of what comes after - whether that’s moving out, starting a job, learning a trade, going to college or the plan isn’t fully clear yet - this is a big transition year for us all. There are so many “lasts” to savor and celebrate. Some sadness mixed with anticipation for our kids… Some sadness mixed with an overwhelming feeling of pride for us parents. Excitement alongside uncertainty. Our kids are feeling it and we are too. What matters most right now isn’t having all the answers about what’s next. In our house, it’s anxiously waiting for college decisions. In your house it may be a new job opportunity. What matters most right now is maintaining our connection with our kids while everything is changing. Here are five practical ways to make this special time the most meaningful for you both: 1. Create one senior-year ritual.Choose something small and repeatable that belongs to the two of you. a weekly coffee or breakfast a post-practice or post-work drive (milkshakes may or may not be included!) a standing TV or game night
It doesn’t need to feel big. Consistency is what matters. 2. Ask questions that invite who they are, not just what they’re doing.This year is full of logistics. Focus on their inner world.
Try asking: “What’s felt hard this week?” “What’s been the best part of your day lately?” “What do you think you’ll miss most about this year?” “What do you want more of before this chapter ends?”
Curiosity builds connection. Pressure shuts it down. 3. Capture the “lasts” on purpose.The reason the lasts feel emotional is because they matter. take pictures after games, performances, or milestones record a quick video interview or voice memo in the car afterward jot down moments you want to remember
You don’t need to document everything - just enough to remember how it felt. 4. Share your emotional side and normalize mixed feelings.It’s okay to say: Just avoid putting the weight of your emotions on them. Growing up shouldn’t feel like guilt. They have enough to worry about and don’t need to worry about you. Let mixed feelings be normal for you both. 5. Let them lead sometimes.Senior year is practice time for adulthood. let them plan a family night ask what they want to do before graduation create a short “before this year ends” list together include them in conversations that involve them and let them have a voice
Independence and connection can exist side by side. If doing these types of things haven’t been on your radar, that’s okay. You haven’t missed your chance! Choosing just one of these steps to start today can change how this season feels for both of you. This week on the podcast, I had my youngest daughter, Natalie, join me for an honest conversation about senior year from her perspective - what it’s like to live through the “lasts", the uncertainty, the emotions, and most importantly, what kids actually need from parents during a year of transition. You can click the links below to listen to the podcast or watch it on my YouTube channel. (Don’t forget to like, follow and subscribe! :))
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