Have you ever found yourself at a crossroads, facing a significant life change? We all go through certain pivotal moments, the so-called “rites of passage”, throughout our lives. These moments are often clearly defined by external events, such as getting married, finishing school, or securing a first job.
Heading off to university is undoubtedly one of those moments. It is the end of childhood and the first step into adulthood. It also warrants making some big and long-term decisions about who you want to be, what you want to study, and where you want to live. In the process of making those decisions, it’s easy to get caught up in the overthinking loop, as well as not really knowing what we want to do. In my career, one of the things I have noticed is that this is a time of high ambiguity, which stretches over a long time…making it extremely uncomfortable. We just want to KNOW!
Embracing Change
Transition means change. And part of change is accepting the loss of something to move into something else. That means that on top of dealing with the unknown, we also are dealing with grief and loss. It’s often difficult to navigate this process – not to say it is impossible, but there is a tendency to let negative emotions override our logic, sabotage our productivity and generally slow us down.
One of the most effective ways of managing any type of uncertainty is by taking control of the things you can control and recognising and accepting the things you can’t. This may require letting go of unsupportive belief patterns and restructuring our thinking.
As with most things in life, this is a skill. Skills can be learned and practiced, but this often takes effort and guidance. One of the reasons I have enjoyed working with students and their families is helping them acquire these skills as they start a brand-new chapter in their lives. Learning how to deal with change is useful all the way down the road. It increases confidence and resilience and also gives a sense of security to parents, who know their children are equipped to embark on their own journey and will be okay.
Skills for Parents in Transition: A Necessary Toolkit
While supporting their children through changes, parents, too, undergo transitions. Acquiring specific skills is essential for navigating this phase successfully. Here are some necessary skills for parents:
- Dealing with Ambiguity
- Time Management
- Stress Management
- Communication Skills
Facing life’s transitions is inevitable, but it becomes a manageable journey with the proper support and skill set. If you’re looking for practical guidance and assistance in navigating change confidently, get in touch to learn more about how I can help.