I've been the CEO of my children's lives for nearly two decades. It's time to focus on my own.
A former stay-at-home mother reflects on her transition from being the 'CEO' of her children's lives to stepping back as they reach adulthood. She discusses the challenges of letting go of control after years of managing every aspect of her children's education and extracurricular activities.
Why it matters
This piece highlights the common psychological and emotional shift parents face when transitioning from active management to a supportive, secondary role in their children's lives.
The author said she has always been heavily involved in her kids' lives. Now that they're teens, she's taking a step back. Courtesy of Nicolle Sloane. I gave up my career to become a stay-at-home mom and turned into the CEO of my children's lives. I chose their schools and extracurriculars, and made sure their lives went smoothly. I recently realized it was probably time to resign as their CEO and just be a mom on the sidelines. A few weeks ago, my 18-year-old daughter was planning a weekend beach trip with friends. She's self-reliant, dependable, and not a partier, so I completely trust her to get the job done in situations like this. I knew she'd be OK, but I still wanted to step in anyway, searching for the perfect hotel and safe beaches for them to visit.
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