It’s that time of year.

Back-to-school.

And back-to-college.

I wouldn’t know about that last part. But I can imagine.

Several friends and family members are moving their kids into dorms this week. My niece is heading back for her sophomore year. Two friends are moving their freshman sons in for the first time—one has done this before, one hasn’t.

My oldest is 12. Knocking on the door of 13. And already, I’m loosening the reins. As I sit here and write this, he biked to the skate park about eight blocks away, by himself. He has a phone. It has Life360. We know the workers at the skate park well. It’s a good community. I’m not super concerned.

A year ago, I wouldn’t have let him do that.

Michelle Obama once said, “Being a mother has been a masterclass in letting go.”

And I imagine there’s no bigger act of letting go than dropping them off at college.

I definitely cried when my parents dropped me off and left. My mom didn’t. I didn’t understand why. Even my dad was confused. When he asked her, she said, “Because she’s so happy! How can I be sad about that?”

I don’t have any advice—I haven’t reached this stage of life yet. But maybe I can offer a little encouragement.

To L, my niece:

I am so proud of you. When I visited your campus last year, I was genuinely impressed—by your organization, your systems, and the thoughtful ways you’ve set yourself up to succeed. You’ve found your community. You haven’t changed your major…yet. 😄 You respond to my snail mail with texts that let me know what’s going on in your life, which means the world to me. And you are the absolute best big cousin to my kids. We cherish every moment we get to spend with you.

To Mike and Jen:

Mike, I know you’ve done this before. Jen, I know this is your first time. And while I may not know your kids personally, I do know you. You are solid, generous, big-hearted people. You’ve poured yourselves into your kids—your time, your energy, your values. You’ve given them roots and wings. You’ve raised them to be thoughtful, kind, capable, and ready for the world.

This week may be hard. It might feel like your heart is stretching in a hundred directions. That’s okay. Let it. Because what you’re feeling is love doing what it’s supposed to do—expanding.

Trust the foundation you’ve built. Trust the conversations, the lessons, the small moments that added up over 18 years. Your kids are stepping into the next chapter because you equipped them to.

You’ve got this. And on the days it doesn’t feel like you do—reach out. We’re here for you.

And me? I’m grateful I still have six more years before I’m in your shoes.

But I’m watching, learning, and cheering you on.

Got advice for a college freshman? Maybe something heartfelt… or hilariously practical, like “never trust the dining hall sushi.” Drop it in the comments—I’ll pass it along (and take notes for six years from now).