Graduation and Beyond: Navigating the Transition – Rachael Carman (Homeschooling Through the Years Series)

“I'm very grateful that God continues to grow us through this sanctification process of parenting, and this phase of adult children is a whole different kind of sanctification." ~ Rachael Carman

Yvette Hampton sits down with homeschooling veteran Rachael Carman to discuss the emotional journey of launching homeschooled children into adulthood. In this heartfelt episode from our Homeschooling Through the Years series, Rachael shares her experience of graduating all seven of her children and offers insights on navigating the changing parent-child relationship as our children enter adulthood. Discover how to prepare yourself and your children for this significant transition while maintaining strong family bonds. Don't miss this encouraging conversation about embracing the joys and challenges of the post-homeschooling years.

Recommended Resources:

Real Refreshment Podcast, with Rachael Carman

Let’s Talk Homeschool Podcast, with Rachael and Davis Carman

Rachael's Blog - RachaelCarman.com

Rachael Carman - Parenting "That" Child 

Podcast Recommendations:

More from Rachael Carman on the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast

Monica Swanson - Becoming Homeschoolers: Graduation and Beyond - Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

Listen to the full Homeschooling Through the Years Series here.

Homeschooling Every Subject Series

Schoolhouse Rocked Series and Topic Directory

Stream Schoolhouse Rocked: The Homeschool Revolution for FREE Tonight!

Get your FREE Homeschool Survival Kit!

Discussion Questions:

1. How did Rachael's experience launching her first child differ from launching her subsequent children? What unique challenges did each bring?

2. Why do Rachael and Yvette believe it's important to allow yourself to grieve and acknowledge the sense of loss when a child leaves home?

3. In what ways can the experience of a child leaving home be difficult for both the parents and the child?

4. What advice was Rachael given about having plans of what to do right after dropping off your last child at college? Why was this helpful for her and her husband?

5. How does having a homeschool background impact the depth of relationship between parents and children, and how does this affect the launch into adulthood according to Yvette and Rachael?

6. What new challenges arise in parenting adult children when you have inside knowledge about what each one is going through that the siblings may not be aware of? How has Rachael navigated this?

7. How has the transition to parenting adults required a new level of dependence on God and prayer for discernment for Rachael as a mom?

8. What is the difference between children obeying vs. honoring parents as they enter adulthood according to Yvette? How is her family working this out with her recently graduated daughter?

9. In what ways do you think homeschooling builds a unique foundation for parent-child relationships that carries into the adult years? What benefits and challenges have you seen or anticipate?

10. How can homeschool parents avoid thinking the "best years are behind them" once their children graduate? What perspective should they have instead?

11. Why is it important for parents to acknowledge that new experiences can be hard or scary for children, even if the parents have grown past those fears themselves?

12. How can parents help prepare their children throughout life for transitions and changes, framing them as "new adventures" where they can trust God is already present?

13. What are some ways parents can be a "safe person" for their adult children to express their fears and uncertainties to, especially around graduation time when the future feels unknown?

14. How can parents avoid making their graduated children feel ashamed if they don't know what they want to do next in life? What perspective and support can they provide instead?

15. Why is it important for parents to have trusted friends and mentors they can go to for support and advice as they navigate their children transitioning to adulthood?

16. How can parents manage their own fears about their children's futures and the decisions they will make as adults? What spiritual practices can help with this?

17. In what ways can parents celebrate and praise their adult children's good choices and accomplishments, making much of how God is working in their lives?

18. How does establishing a strong, open relationship with children from a young age set the stage for them to feel safe coming to their parents in adulthood?

19. What lessons can parents take from the Psalms about honestly expressing their fears and worries to God, while ultimately placing their trust in His sovereignty?

20. What challenges have you experienced or anticipate experiencing in the transition from homeschooling to your children being adults?

21. How can you find the right balance between providing wise counsel to adult children while avoiding being controlling or overbearing?

22. Rachael suggests listening more than speaking when communicating with adult children. How can active listening and asking open-ended questions help them think through issues?

23. In what ways can having additional mentors and wise counselors beyond their parents benefit adult children in making good decisions?

24. For married adult children, why is it important for parents to allow them to "leave and cleave" and to establish their own family identity and norms?

25. What are some practical ways parents can invest in and prioritize their marriage relationship while still dedicating much time and energy to homeschooling?

26. How can allowing your children to regularly witness your love and affection as a married couple provide them security and a healthy model for their future marriages?

27. Yvette and Rachael discuss the value of regular date nights, even if it requires creative childcare solutions. Share ideas for keeping marriage a priority amidst busy parenting years.

28. In what ways does a strong, Christ-centered marriage provide an essential foundation of stability for the family, especially as children launch into adulthood?

29. Reflect on how your own journey and growth in marriage can promote grace and understanding as you observe your adult children navigating their own marital journeys.

Sponsors:

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The Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast is a member of the Biblical Family Network. Our mission is to support and encourage the family by providing the very best podcasts on family, discipleship, marriage, parenting, worldview, culture, and education, all from a Biblical perspective. Visit the website for more great shows, like the Thinking Dad, Culture Proof, Homeschool Insights, and Made2Homeschool.