It is my oldest son’s senior year, and I’m barely holding on right now. I want to scream, laugh, cry, go for a run, and pull my hair out at any given moment. I know I am not the first mom to go through it, and I also know that I am not alone.
I recently sent an SOS text out to my sister, who has graduated several children, exclaiming, “I don’t know how I’m going to survive senior year.” This very thought of survival, this SOS text, made me realize we are all doing the best we can. So I came up with a list, a survival guide if you will, for all of us moms trying to figure it out. Mind you, I don’t have it all figured out—not in the slightest—but after talking to several other senior moms, I do have some thoughts to share.
If your child is a senior, this is what you need:
Tissues
Just start bringing tissues with you wherever you go. Have them in the car and in the grocery store for when The Graduation Song by Vitamin C, Time of Your Life by Green Day, My Wish by Rascal Flatts, I Will Remember You by Sarah McLachlan, or any other nostalgic song comes on the radio that reminds you that your baby is no longer a baby. Memories will be triggered in what will seem like the most random of places. You can’t stop it, so just let it flow and ride it out.
Money
For every fundraiser and senior event that will come your way. Banners, yearbooks, t-shirts, senior activities, senior pictures, field trips, parking spaces, college applications and deposits, random texts for a bag of candy for a pep rally… We aren’t rolling in the dough, so if you are like us, just do one thing at a time. And if, by chance, you are reading this while your child is a junior, start saving!
Chocolate
To soothe you when your senior is out living their best life and you feel unseen and forgotten.
Cardio
To work off all the chocolate (kidding/not kidding). You will need some sort of cardio to boost your endorphins to fight stress and handle all the big feelings you are feeling. Plus, sweating is great detox for your body.
To-Do List
For the many things you need to do and new things asked of you daily. Submit baby photos, submit senior photos, deadlines, permission slips, register for sports, pay for sports, send in your child’s physical, etc. Remember: one thing at a time!
Deep Breaths
Especially when looking at your calendar and to-do list, to avoid hyperventilating or passing out. There is no need for any of that! Take a deep breath, hold it for a few seconds, and slowly release it. This practice will bring a calming effect to your whole body. Try it!
Fresh Air
It’s so good for your mood, energy level, sleep, and to lower stress. Taking deep breaths in the fresh air is a bonus; cardio, too. Allow some sunshine to hit your face regardless of the temperature and notice the difference it makes.
Naps
Let’s face it—we are getting up super early and most nights staying up too late. A quick power nap may be just what you need to recharge your battery so you can be present and conscious for your senior for all of their needs.
Gratitude
I know it is stressful and overwhelming, but even in the midst of all of that, we can and should be grateful for everything we are blessed with.
Ditch Comparison
Comparison is the thief of joy. No one is on an identical path. Some seniors will pursue higher education, some will choose trade school, some will work, and some have no plan and no idea what they want to do. While it is great to advise and guide, we can easily get lost in comparison, and that is a crummy place to be. I plead with you—choose your words and your social media posts wisely. Not every kid is a scholar. Hug your mom friends. Even though your kids may be on different paths, you can comfort and love one another. One path is not superior to the other.
Remember
Remember how grateful you are to have made it to senior year. Remember the obstacles, the speed bumps, the joys and the sorrows, the setbacks and the victories that brought your child to this place. Remember, the future isn’t set in stone for anyone. Only God knows what is ahead.
Along with all of these things, wear proudly the fruit of the spirit…
Love…when your senior is overwhelmed by their workload.
Joy…count it all joy when things aren’t all simple, as character and perseverance are being developed.
Peace…when life is chaotic around you.
Patience…when things aren’t getting done how/when you want them to.
Kindness…when your senior is experiencing a world that isn’t always kind.
Goodness…do good and shine the light of Christ in your home and in your community.
Faithfulness…when the world walks away, being there and showing up matters.
Gentleness…when your senior needs it most.
Self-Control…when you want to scream, because you, sweet mom, are overwhelmed by it all too.
And in all of this, the best thing we can do to survive senior year is to cover it in prayer. Let’s face it, we can’t do any of this on our own or in our own strength. I’m leaning on Jesus this senior year to sustain me, to provide every good and perfect gift that comes from above, to fill me with wisdom that I can give my senior to show him the love of Christ in the chaos, for He is the calm in the storm. I’m clinging to Him!
by Colin Morris 
by Jennifer Hale 
by Savannah Lyon 
