I Wish Someone Had Told Me My Kid’s Graduation Would Wreck Me

I knew this would be emotional.  I just didn’t realize it would be this hard. In the final episode of my I Wish Someone Had Told Me series, I’m sitting down with Niro Feliciano—a mom of four who’s already been through this—to talk about my daughter’s graduation…and honestly, I’m a hot mess. People can try to explain what the moment is like, but until you’re in it, it’s hard to fully comprehend. Someone once described it as “grief wrapped in celebration,” and honestly, that’s the best way to put it. You’re so proud. Super excited for them.And at the same time… you’re trying to process how fast it all went. We talk about: That “weird trifecta” of emotions—happy, sad, and everything in between How the rhythm of your family changes overnight And what’s on the other side of this: a different, and often deeper, relationship with your child Niro is also our comfort animal (lol) because she offers perspective, encouragement, and the reminder that this season—while hard—is also full of growth and beauty. If you’re in this season—or heading toward it—let’s talk about it.  Because it’s not the end, but it is a change. And it’s okay to feel all of it. Let’s Talk About It. Listen in to learn more:  [0:03:03] Mixed emotions of grief and celebration around a child’s graduation [0:04:59] Parenting goal framed as launching capable, confident, independent kids [0:08:35] Graduation grief linked to the speed of childhood and the passage of time [0:16:09] New grief opening a box of earlier grief and regrets about parents [0:17:09] Practical strategies: choose moments to be present and plan future anchors In this episode, we are digging into why high school graduation can feel like grief wrapped in celebration, how parenting years pass so quickly, why major life transitions can resurface past grief, the evolving parent-child relationship after graduation, and practical advice for parents navigating every stage of raising teens and young adults. THE CARRY ALL weekly newsletter  is on Substack!! https://officialcarrymedia.substack.com/ Paula’s Newsletter https://paulafarisofficial.substack.com/ Connect with Paula on Instagram  Niro Felicano  Paula’s Favorite Protein Powder 15% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices