Graduation—It’s a Milestone in Parenting

Musing of a parent whose daughter graduated from High School this year…

I still remember when my daughter graduated from preschool and kindergarten, she and her classmates were all so cute and sweet. Then there’s the graduation from 5th grade—the transition from elementary school to middle school was a big deal because they were going to a different school. Then the graduation from 8th Grade to High School! High school is a very important milestone because it is the passage from being a teenager to being a young adult.

Each stage of life, each graduation, comes with new sets of challenges and growth.

As my daughter was walking the aisle with the white cap and gown during her high school graduation, I couldn’t help but think of how quickly time passed by. My baby has blossomed into a beautiful woman, inside and out. Many thoughts came running through my head as I watched her go up on the stage to get her diploma… Let me share some of these musings with you…

Noelle Pierce (center)

… Roots to Grow, Wings to Fly

When my kids were little, I heard a teacher say that our job as parents was to help the kids “develop roots to grow and wings to fly.” That quote stayed with me through the years of raising my kids, but its impact hits me now more than ever… because now, after graduation, my daughter is moving “far away” from us, on to her college adventures. Yes, they have grown, and now it’s time for her to spread her wings little by little. This mama bird needs to let go of her baby birdie… not totally as I will still be watching her and will be available for her… but I will allow her to make more decisions for herself. She needs to be able to have that confidence and experience. I trust that she will make wise choices.

… God has a plan,
a good future and a hope

One of my favorite Bible verses that I pray for my kids is Jeremiah 29:11 which says “For I know the plans I have of you says the Lord—plans of good and not of evil—to give you a future and a hope.” “What are you going to do after graduation?” is a question each high school graduate gets asked. For some graduates, the answer came easy—they are going to college. Now it’s only a matter of where and what course to take. However, for others, they are still trying to decide whether they are going to college or not. Some are still uncertain and need more time to decide.
My daughter would like to be a nurse someday. This is the path she wants to pursue. I am happy for her. I think she will be a great nurse. I am glad that the profession she chose involves serving others. God has a plan for her life and we must continue to walk with God in prayer, for we know God will direct her path.

As I was sitting there musing, I also wondered. I wondered what other parents there were thinking. I wondered what other parents were feeling. Are you a parent of a high school graduate? Share your musing with us! We would love to hear from you.

Liza Pierce of A Maui Blog is an Interactive Media Strategist in Hawai‘i. She started blogging in 2006 and she loves talking story online and spreading aloha around the world. She’s been living on Maui since 1994 and considers Maui her home. A wife, a mother, a friend…and so much more. She loves Jesus; Maui Sunsets Catcher; Crazy About Rainbows; End Alzheimer’s Advocate. Her life is full and exciting here on the island of Maui.

Liza is currently the Interactive Media Strategist with Wailea Realty Corp.