Launching from the Nest: College, Careers & Care Packages
Launching a kid from the nest is never a one-size-fits-all moment. Some head off with dorm décor and ramen noodles, others trade in backpacks for lunch breaks and work badges. Either way, it's equal parts exciting, nerve-wracking, and messy—for them and for us.
This fall, as I send out my first round of care packages, I've been reflecting on what really matters in this season of transitions.
Care Packages: More Than Snacks
I packed this first one with a little bit of "fall cozy"—treats, candy, and yes, a Butter Tortilla Scented Candle from H-E-B. If you know, you know. Nothing says "home" quite like a tortilla in wax form.
Pro tip: The number-one item kids forget to pack? Scissors. Toss a pair in that first box. Trust me, they won't think about it until they're staring down impossible packaging with a butter knife.
Your Role Shifts—Whether They're in College or the Workforce
Here's the truth: whether they're settling into a dorm or clocking into their first job, our role as parents fundamentally changes. We're no longer the fixer—we're the guide.
When that inevitable problem-solving call comes, try this approach:
- Validate: "That sounds tough, I hear you."
- Serve it back: "So what are your next steps?"
They need to strengthen their resolve muscle just as much as we need to practice not flexing ours. And yes, it's hard to step back—but that's the only way they grow.
A Simple Reset Tool for Spiraling Moments
When overwhelm hits (and it will), remind them to ask themselves:
- What's the worst that can happen?
- What's my desired result?
These questions shift focus from overthinking to forward-thinking—a small tool with big impact.
Takeaways for This Season
Send care, not just packages. Sure, snacks and candles matter, but it's the message behind them—I see you, I love you, I'm cheering for you—that truly sticks.
Validate, don't fix. Their problems are practice reps for adulthood, and they need the space to work through them.
Offer reset questions. Help them zoom out instead of spin out when things feel overwhelming.
Parenting in the launch years is less about letting go and more about letting them try, stumble, and rise—while making sure they know home is always a safe place to land.
✨ From one mama's heart to yours: never underestimate the power of scissors, snacks, and a Butter Tortilla Scented Candle.