Grief & Joy in the College Transition for Parents & Teens

Show Highlights: Understanding Grief in Life Transitions: Kendra introduces the concept of grief not just as a response to loss, but as an emotion felt during significant life transitions, specifically focusing on children going to college This is a major change that can bring about complex emotions for both parents and teenagers. Kendra's Personal College Experience: Reflects on her own experience of leaving Colombia at 18 to attend college in the U.S., highlighting the different communication methods of the time (calling cards, letters) and how being in a new environment might have made her personal adjustment "easier" than for her family back home, who felt her absence more acutely in familiar surroundings. The Coexistence of Joy and Grief: Emphasizes that it's "okay to feel grief and also to be excited for your kids" as they embark on their college journey. The episode explores this "complex" emotional landscape where joy and sadness can exist simultaneously. Grief from a Student's Perspective: Discusses that teenagers themselves will also experience grief as they leave for college, particularly after returning home and realizing what they've missed, or when they miss their friends, relationships, and established routines. Validating and Honoring Emotions: Stresses the importance of naming these emotions as "grief" to acknowledge their multifaceted nature and the many other feelings (like regret) that can accompany it. Open Communication and Support: Encourages honest conversations with your children, letting them know you're excited for them but also miss them, which helps validate their own mixed emotions. Connecting with others who are experiencing similar changes is also vital. Invitation for Accompaniment: If you are going throgh a life transition and want someone to walk alongside you as you figure it out. Reach out for a FREE 15 min Discovery call email: [email protected]