Working Through the Ups and Downs

I recently saw a funny greeting card with the following question and reply, “I was asked what the most difficult part of being a parent is.  Without a shadow of a doubt it’s the kids”.  I had a good chuckle and then thought of a comment my mom once made, “little kids little problems; big kids big problems.”   It was not at all a negative comment, just an observation.

That is very relevant in our household these days as both Molly and Pete are in the middle of professional conundrums.  Our son Pete is finishing his junior year of college, and trying to find a summer internship has been a difficult process.  Meanwhile our daughter Molly is two years out of college; and I imagine like many of her peers is struggling to determine potential next steps in her career. Unfortunately, there are no quick fixes or easy answers.  While we can provide guidance and encouragement, it is ultimately their decisions to make.

Like any parent, it is painful to see your kid struggle.   So, I try to remind myself to enjoy and help them celebrate their high points as well.  Molly just returned from a trip to Paris and Portugal with some college friends (on her own dime) and had an amazing time.  Meanwhile we were just in Illinois to see Pete’s club baseball team compete in the college world series.

Now I just need to find a greeting card that will tell the kids it will all work out without having them roll their eyes at me.