Over the past couple of months I was invited to participate in my daughter’s undergrad research presentations. I got to witness first hand how she interacted with her professors. It seemed to be a relationship not of student/teacher, but of professionals interacting with one another. Then yesterday at her graduation when she was called to the stage to receive honors for graduating with a 4.0 (Biology with a minor in Organic Chemistry) something changed for me. This is no longer just my daughter, but she also seems to be a part of something else that I just can’t seem to define at the moment (hope that makes sense). I am both proud and sad at the same time about this change. Just trying to figure things out 
. Everything gets to0 fast as you get older. Thanks for listening.
Congrats to your daughter on completing her degree. She sounds like a bright young lady. I wish her well in her future endeavors. And congrats to you for getting her there.
As for the daughter/dad relationship conundrum, I’m not a father so I can’t offer any advice. I’m having enough trouble transitioning into the role of parenting my elderly parents.
Congrats, your kids will always be that little person you raised, fed and taught how to tie thier shoes. When they become adults it is a great time, especially in the capacity you describe since if means you succeeded as a parent.
tog,
Your little girl is now an adult.
Once you get used to this idea, you’re going to love it.
My adult daughter is incredibly smart, so much so, I often seek her advice…
As my kids get older I realize that I’m moving towards almost being a member do a “board do directors” that they rely on for advice.
My oldest daughter finished up her first year of college on Friday. I am incredibly proud of her. A 4.0 so far and her maturity level went way up once she moved out on her own. I never babied her or treated her like a princess, and it’s paying off. The transition was easy for me, but I do agree that time seems to move very fast once the kids leave the nest.
Thanks folks for the replies-good info all. Abraham, maybe that is why I feel different today-she is a grownup and everyone realized that but me-until now. AKDoug, sounds like another great student in the making.
Thanks, Tog. She’s a great young lady. She’s paying for the whole thing herself. She saved 75% of her income of full time summer jobs since she was 14. It’s too bad that money only got her through her first year. She was smart enough to apply for scholarships and work part time to get enough money for next year (along with a small loan)… she’s trying to keep her loans under $40K for four years. We’ll see if it works out.
My son graduates high school on Wednesday. He’s saved the same way as her, but he’s going the voc-ed route with a year long Aircraft Maintenance program, so he’s got the funds to pull it off.
I really wished I could help them pay, but my business plans fell short.
The relationships between parent and adult child is complicated and I’m still struggling with it. My biggest fear is them picking a mate that I can’t tolerate 
Mine turned 13 yesterday…don’t know if I can handle her growing up…
I’ve got a 14yo daughter and I wish she would grow up. She’s my challenge for the next four years :eek:
Congratulations to your daughter for her 4.0 GPA, that is a tremendous achievement.
I wish her success in her field as she goes out into the world.
Congratulations on your daughter’s graduation and that you obviously have a very bright young lady on your hands. What’s her next step? Medschool, PhD, or something else?