These past days, it has been lovely to see posts on kids getting back to school with their cute poses, adorable get-up, stylish backpacks/bags and lunch boxes. Some made me feel old as am surprised to see those that are still babies in my mind, now already entering school! I have spoken to parents who have children going into university. They are having a hard time seeing them leave the house. There is separation anxiety for the parents. One coworker was telling me she was bawling for days and to think her son is only having his residence just 1.5-2 hours’ drive from their place. There are those though that would be 5-6 hours' drive away or even studying to another province or abroad. Imagine how much more emotional that could be! They are already looking forward to when they’ll see their sons/daughters again either Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Regardless of what stage of parenting, the concern is still the same as this is borne out of deep love and care. One cannot help but be anxious and emotional. More so now, with the on/off lockdown for over 18 months, there is a different kind of attachment formed being in the same house, day in and day out for so long. Now that in person classes are open and available, it takes another adjustment for all. On the other hand, there are parents who are feeling relief that children have a bit of normalcy and their absence in the house, creates a welcome space. Still, the thought of the children contracting Covid19 especially those aged 11 years old and below with no vaccination available yet, can cause sleepless nights for parents.
There are some things parents can control for instance, reminding children to constantly sanitize, maintain proper hygiene, etc. However, there are a lot of things beyond their control. Being fearful or worrying about them constantly results to high stress levels. Moving beyond Covid19 issues to other larger personal issues, parents can only trust that the values imparted to children will be appreciated, understood, and serve as a compass for them to make the right decisions.
I believe this is part of letting go and accepting change. It is also where faith comes into play especially for factors out of our hands. For kids, we pray for God’s protection over them. For adult children, we pray that they make the right choices, have friends who will be of good influence to them and keep them away from any temptation that can ruin their future. It’s time for them to taste independence, decide on their own and discover the world. It’s an important phase for them to develop life skills for bigger challenges ahead.
For young parents, understanding and imparting Christian beliefs and values to their children would have a lasting impact. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Teenagers may see their parents uncool or out of touch with the times. Those that are in university or even post university would seem to be in a period of I-know-more-than-you-do attitude. Keep at it. Stay on track in imparting Christian principles. These are timeless, reliable and proven. Cultivate a love for God’s word and more importantly a fear of God. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17 it says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Surrender our anxieties to our Heavenly Father. Surrender our children/nephews/nieces to Him. Surrender ourselves to Him. Isn’t it wonderful to trust Someone who is all knowing, all powerful and present everywhere to provide protection and guidance to us? May we be grounded in God’s word, the Bible and follow its wisdom. Set an example for our tribe to follow. Let go and let God take over. Only then can we find peace and rest from all of our fears and worries.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.” - Psalm 46:1-3
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” - Luke 14:27
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?” - Psalm 56:3-4
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