Mommy Maxxing: How Senior Year revealed the rights and wrongs of Parenthood

If you are new here, or don’t Stan for me for real ; my first born, Ashtyn just graduated High school and heads to Vanderbilt University in the Fall. Any parent will concur, that the only equivalent to senior year is the newborn bubble and trenches.  And because we also have a now one year old, ( DOB: 5/20/25) we experienced both simultaneously. 

The financial demands, college visits, prom preparation, sports calendar and competitions took us on a roller coaster ride; mostly highs. 

Ashtyn is a nationally ranked athlete and scholar. She won prom queen. She earned a full scholarship to one of the best universities in the country. She was undefeated in her primary distance all season. 

Last weekend in her last state meet of her high school career, where her goal was to reclaim the state title, she came down with a stomach virus. She could not keep food down for several days, her body and energy were depleted. We feared she would faint. 

If the nerves that come with competition of this magnitude were not enough, she called me tearfully confessing her goal was outside her reach and she didn’t have the strength to compete. 

I reminded her, as I have been most her life, that the decision was hers, but to make it carefully ensuring she had no regrets. I affirmed her work ethic and accomplishments to this point and the belief that her mental preparation, not just physical could carry her to victory. She went on to win the race. 

I wanted to share this sentiment with my readers; As my only daughter prepares to leave the nest and experiment with new freedoms, face new adversities and set higher goals, I am most grateful that I demonstrated discipline. I am grateful that I have the right partner, to balance nurture and structure. I am grateful that early focus was on hard work = reward. I am grateful that she is affirmed from within. 

I caution parents not to project our limiting beliefs on our children’s dreams. I warn you not to allow them to quit when circumstances are not ideal, even if by design. 

I remind you that “ the voice in their head” telling them they can or they can’t , will likely be yours even when you are no longer in their ear. 

I hope my babies, see my character, my efforts, my sacrifices and my work as the greatest form of my love for them. 

They are my most cherished audience. 

XO, 

Kat