Blogger Contest 2010

Parents and Letting Go
- Eliana Levenson
Alright, so at the risk of sounding cliché, I believe it’s time for someone to talk about parents. Sure, we all know that they are looking out for our best interest, that all they want is for us to succeed, and all they need is a little bit of respect. Now, this is all fine, but when does it become time for the parent to back up and let their child make it (or not) on their own.
From our first words, we’re trying to find just a little independence. Of course, at one we probably weren’t ready to head out into the world alone, but can parents really tell when the childish cry for independence ends and the movement toward adulthood begins? As I begin looking toward my future, I’ve decided that parents, astute as they may be, are completely deaf to the idea of their child growing up.
In my life, my parents have always played a large role, helping me to grow and supporting me in my many ventures. I’ve always felt I had a particularly special relationship with my parents, an understanding most of my friends just couldn’t grasp. But now, I’m beginning to question if all this was such a good idea.
I’m 17 years old and as much as my parents have taught me, their lack of release is keeping me from becoming the adult I know I can become. For every parent, it’s important to know that there comes a time, when we, the children, must find our own way, and we can’t do that if we are never set free.