Dear Moms,

First, I want to celebrate with you. Congratulations! As a mother myself, I know what you are going through. Your baby is about to start their senior year of high school, and you are now overcome with all these emotions.

I am a mother of three, and two of them have already graduated. I have one left, with a few years before my last baby graduates, but once you have one child graduate, the feelings are the same. It’s exciting and tough at the same time.

You’re probably wondering, “How did we get here so fast?” LOL. We all say it. This is one of those precious moments that will fly by so fast, and then your baby will be off on their adventures as an adult. I am here to tell you that you have to slow down, and embrace this senior year. Most of us get so busy we forget to take a deep breath and enjoy the moment.

You have to bring out those baby pictures, sports pictures, and watch all the old videos you have of them growing up. Your baby is now a senior. There are a few things that you must do:

1. Senior Pictures: This is an absolute must. Capture their senior year with beautiful photos. These pictures celebrate your seniors and show off who they are. Remember I suggested you look back at their baby pictures? You will want these senior pictures when you are helping them plan their wedding, when they have kids of their own, and when their children become seniors too. This is a moment you need to capture.

2. Give Your Senior Some Grace: They are going through a lot. They may be scared of adulting, feeling the pressures of getting into the college of their dreams, or they may have no idea what they are going to do and start to panic or shut down. This is when you get involved in their lives more than you have in the past.

3. Spend Quality Time Together: Volunteer with them, or for an activity that they are involved in (sports, clubs, etc.). Try taking them on a special vacation, somewhere they want to go to blow off some steam. This will be much needed for both of you.

As I look back at my kids who have graduated, I see pictures that we took during their senior year and reflect on the joy I felt. I still get tears in my eyes when I look back. This year is the best year to create long-lasting memories. It will fill you with so much joy. Of course, there will be lots of headaches, but those headaches will all be forgotten, and you will be thankful that you celebrated your senior the best way you could.

Sincerely,

A Fellow Mom