The One Thing Your Teen Still Needs to Hear Before They Leave Home

Happy Thursday! You made it!

In my little corner of the world, leaving-for-college season is nearly here. This feels especially surreal because my youngest child is getting ready to leave the nest. That four-pound super-preemie who couldn’t wait to be born now can’t wait to get out into the big, wide world. And honestly? That feels about right — they’re ready. 

So I’ve been thinking a lot about what I want to tell them before they go. What do I most want them to carry with them as they find their way?

Sure, I’d like them to hang up their towel so it doesn’t get gross, and I hope they make a few good friends. But at 18, they probably don't need reminders about those things from me.

What they do need — now and always  — is to hear that I believe in them. That I have confidence in who they are. That they are resilient, capable, and can handle whatever life throws their way.  

So I told them exactly that. And those same big, beautiful eyes that once looked up at me during tummy time looked up at me again and said, “Thank you, Mom.” 

And then they left to get some boba. (With my credit card, of course. Some things are timeless.) 

Real World Strategy: 

What if you’re not sure that they’ve got this? 

The truth is, expressing confidence in your child doesn’t require you to feel 100% confident all the time.  Expressing your doubts or fears to them can plant a seed of self-doubt. Instead, reflect the most capable, grounded version of them back to themselves. That’s the version they’ll grow into.

📚Resource of the Week: Grown and Flown is a great (if slightly overwhelming) resource for parenting teens and young adults. Their “Off to College” section offers real talk from real parents. 

🌊Current Clients– Want to dive deeper? 

Join an upcoming group coaching call to explore what it means to launch a young adult — and all the big feelings that come with this new season of parenting.

💬 Join the Conversation: 

Find me where the slightly overwhelmed, curious parents gather:  Bluesky / Instagram/ Tik-Tok

💌Newsletter Archive: 

Missed a good one? Want to revisit past nuggets of wisdom? Find them all here.

👋 Need More Support? 

If your own fears are getting in the way of showing your child a hopeful vision, reach out here. You don’t have to do this alone.

You’ve got this.

Cari

p.s. Know another parent who could use short, sweet, and actually useful parenting tips? Forward this along! (And if someone sent this to you — nice work, you have thoughtful friends!) Click here to sign up and access the full archive.