Parents--Praise (and hug) your kids today

Parents Forum
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<p>In the wake of the horrific murders in Newtown, CT, I hope that all parents will take a break from worrying about sub-par SAT scores, last year's C- in Calculus, unfinished essays, or even a crushing rejection from a top-choice ED college last week.</p>

<p>Tell your children some of those many things you love about them. I probably hugged my own son too many times this weekend. I resisted the urge to ask if he'd finished his extra-credit Spanish project or studied for the chem quiz. Instead, I told him how much he makes me laugh and how kind he was to his grandmother, especially in her final days last month. </p>

<p>So today, I hope that all CC parents will treasure their children, praise them, hug them, and take comfort in the fact that, wherever these children may land, first-choice or safety, they will be going to some college.</p>

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<p>S2 was rejected from Vandy on Friday afternoon - was very emotional & hard (both older sibs are there.) But in the wake of the tragedy, I knew this was not the worst thing that could happen to him. We all went to bed very worn out, but the sun rose on Saturday and we started discussing Plan B. And I feel very fortunate - he is healthy, happy & mine. All I can think about is the parents whose dreams are shattered, hearts broken & lives forever changed. Our sadness about college is a minute blip on the radar screen. It’s all about perspective & our ability to realize that they will go to college.
And I even got up to make an awesome Finals Day 1 breakfast!</p>

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<p>boymom5-- You have indeed put this temporary set-back in perspective. Best wishes to your son on his Plan B. Even if he is sad right now that he’s not part of a family tradition at Vandy, I bet that one day he may be happy he found his “own” school.</p>

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<p>Let’s hug our kids and tell how much we love and appreciate them EVERYDAY!</p>

5

<p>For those of us who have kids in high school or older, this is all good advice.</p>

<p>But perhaps, for younger kids, changes in the way their parents relate to them might be distressing right now.</p>

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<p>No change here. I hug my young son and tell him I love him every day.</p>

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<p>Boymom5- very good persepective. I wish your son a great plan B </p>

<p>The events of Friday have just shaken me so, I have a good friend that had the hardest time taking her son to kindergarten today. I can’t imagine the anxiety felt by parents with young children. </p>

<p>I must admit I am happy my D is home from college and happily asleep. We have had many heart to hearts this past weekend.</p>