I Get You

This time of the year brings out all the feels for people. I can see the stress and anxiety building in my child and adolescent clients. Before the first day of school, there are jitters of excitement, fears of class schedules, and dread of losing control of their time. I get you. I understand all the emotions this time of year brings.

Parents, this time of the year is a bit more complicated for you. The feelings you have can be mixed; they could carry guilt, or they could carry the sorrow of lasts and the jitters of firsts.

For the parents of the kindergartner, I get you. I get the fear and the sadness of dropping your child off for the first time. The thoughts of “will my child make friends,” “will they be nice to my child,” “will my child be nice to them?” More importantly “will the teacher understand my child,” “will my child keep up with the class?” and “will my child be okay?” I also get that the firsts of kindergarten also mean the lasts of your young baby. Parents, it is okay to be sad. It is okay to be happy. It is okay to feel it all.

For the parents of elementary aged children, I see the guilt when you say that you are ready for school to begin. You look at me and ask “does that make me a bad mom?” Or “am I doing things right?” You might be scared about the responsibilities the new school year brings- the dreaded busy schedules, the homework at night, and the nonstop car drop-offs. I see all the emotions. It is okay to feel those emotions.

For the parent dropping off their child to middle school for the first time, I hear you asking “where did time go?” You might be remembering their early years and thinking about how quickly that time went. You might be exhausted from the summer. Exhausted from the fights with your now almost teen child. The worry of if your child is a nice person or if others are being nice to your child. You wonder if you have done things right up to this point, and if not, how do you “fix” things. I hear you. I understand you. I want to tell you to just breathe. You are enough for your child.

For the parents of the high school aged children, you are an old pro at this now, aren’t you? Despite being a pro, it never seems to get easier. Being back at school can bring the stress of the demanding academics, juggling extra-curriculars, and friendship drama. You’re tired, aren’t you? It is a different tired than when your child was younger, but it is a more intense tired. You might worry about your teen making choices involving drinking, in dating relationships, or other “real life” worries that seem so much scarier than the things you worried about a decade ago. You probably thought by this stage that life would be smooth sailing and you wonder why life is still full of stress. I get you. It is okay to think these things. It is okay to feel.

To all the parents, children, and teens out there, I get you. The emotions are strong. The emotions are real. It is the best of times. It is the worst of times. Go out there and breathe. You got this, guys!

Written by Amy Rollo, M.A., LSSP, LPC-S

If you’re child is struggling with ADHD, contact us to see how ADHD counseling can help.

Amy Rollo is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and owner of Heights Family Counseling. Amy has been practicing for fifteen years. She has doctoral level training in the areas of child and adolescent counseling, marriage and family therapy, and adult counseling. Amy Rollo provides counseling and evaluation services in the Houston Heights and surrounding areas. Amy’s goal in counseling is to journey with her clients in order to foster positive changes and growth in their lives. Read more about Amy's counseling style by visiting www.heightsfamilycounseling.com