As a therapist and a mother, I know first-hand how deeply parenting becomes woven into your
identity. From watching your child take their first steps to cheering them on through bigger
ones, like travelling on their own or choosing their post-secondary path, these moments can stir
up a powerful mix of pride, anxiety and unexpected grief. And it doesn’t matter whether it’s
your first child or your last. Each step towards independence can bring its own feelings.
These milestones are exciting and necessary (yay, we did it, they’re ready!), but they can also
come with a quiet ache. You may begin to notice that your role is shifting, that the family
dynamic is changing, and that home might feel… different.
You’re still their parent, but not in quite the same hands-on way. And that transition can feel
unsettling.
You’re not alone. It’s okay to make space for those feelings. They matter. This can be a time of
rediscovering who you are beyond the day-to-day work of parenting, too. Maybe there’s room
to become curious again about your interests, your time and your own growth.
If you’re feeling a little lost, start small. What are you curious about? What matters to you now?
Your role as a parent is evolving, not disappearing. And neither are you.
Janine Cole is a Registered Psychotherapist and a mom to four kids, including a stepdaughter.
Her warm, authentic approach creates space to explore the complicated feelings that can come
with change, transition and the many different ways our relationships evolve.
If you’d like to talk more about how therapy can support you through a challenging transition,
feel free to reach out to book a complimentary consultation.
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