Top tips
- It’s now “hands off” time. Unless your advice or help is directly requested it’s better not to interfere. She will need your practical support and help but your task is to enable her to fly the nest. The best parenting results in a confident, competent child not a dependent, needy one.
- Advice on financial management and awareness is vital, although when she gets it wrong you should have a pre-prepared strategy. Decide to what extent you would be able or prepared to bail her out.
- Above all she still needs to know that you love her. She will still want to come home to her own bedroom knowing she is always welcome, even with a term’s worth of debt and washing in tow!
- She will need your help when things go wrong but don’t leap in, wait to be asked.
- When things do go wrong she will probably call you and tell you just how dreadful everything is. She will then put down the ‘phone and go on happily with her life having dumped all her troubles on you! If you’re worried call her the next day to reassure yourself but don’t be surprised if she’s absolutely fine whereas you have been awake all night worrying!
- Remember that a parent’s role is lifelong and that you seldom get thanked at the time. Years later she may let you know just how much she valued your loving support but don’t hold your breath. Your reward comes from the pride you feel in your delightful, talented, successful daughter.
Your comments
Nobody has posted any comments yet, why not be the first?
More articles
Register on MyDaughter to receive the latest news and advice by email
