Dear Mom of a High School Senior,
If you’re feeling the urge to pamper your child a little more this year—whether it’s through extra help, spending quality time with them, or doing sweet gestures—let me reassure you: go ahead and embrace it! This year will fly by, and you won’t regret making it a special time focused on your child.
When my eldest, Alex, was in his senior year, his younger siblings playfully dubbed it “The Year of Alex.” I didn’t argue or apologize for it. In truth, they might have been a bit dramatic, as the other kids certainly didn’t lack love or attention. Still, there was an undeniable Alex-centric vibe that year. I baked cookies that were his favorites, prepared meals he enjoyed, and stocked up on his preferred snacks. I showered him with affection—not more than the others, but definitely more than the independent firstborn had allowed me to in recent years. We both knew this was a pivotal moment, and we wanted to cherish that final year together.
Throughout high school, Alex took advanced classes but seldom sought my help with his assignments, even though I’m a teacher. We rarely discussed his reading or upcoming papers. However, during “The Year of Alex,” he suddenly wanted my assistance with proofreading scholarship applications and essays. I relished those opportunities. I folded his laundry, ran errands for him, and sought out little ways to make him feel valued. In a way, I was also trying to fill my own need to nurture him.
That year, I found joy in our college visits, the hours spent driving together, and the conversations we shared. I felt an urgency to impart last-minute life lessons—everything from using an ATM to the importance of maintaining eye contact and cherishing family connections. I wanted him to leave home prepared but not too eager to go. I hoped he would miss home, envisioning him sharing stories about my homemade potato soup or pecan pie with new friends at college.
During “The Year of Alex,” I made it a point to hug him more often, savoring our time together at the dinner table and engaging in even the simplest discussions. While I aimed not to hover, I wanted to soak up as much time with him as possible. Despite my efforts, the year sped by, but it was truly wonderful.
Now we occasionally experience “The Weekend of Alex,” and the others don’t complain too much—they miss him too. In the coming years, I’ll have “The Year of Bella,” followed by “The Year of Mia,” and ultimately “The Year of Charlie.” I’ve learned that graduation, while it brings change, isn’t the end of our relationship. They are still my children, still need me, and they do come back. After all, I make a mean pecan pie.
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Summary:
As a parent of a high school senior, it’s perfectly fine to spoil your child a bit during their final year. Cherish the time you have left together by indulging them with their favorites, spending quality time, and sharing important life lessons. While it may feel like the end, graduation doesn’t sever the connection, and your child will always need you.