The worry never stops

One thing I find particularly hard as a parent is watching my children feel anxious or worried about what’s happening in their lives. When they were young, it somehow felt easier. We were there every day, able to see what was going on, offer advice, give them a hug, or simply reassure them that everything would be okay. But being a parent doesn’t stop when your children leave the nest. In some ways, the worrying can become harder. You’re no longer part of their daily lives, and you don’t always know what they’re dealing with or how they’re feeling. You want to help, but you also know that sometimes the best thing you can do is listen and let them find their own way.

What gives me comfort is the enormous confidence I have in my daughters. They are strong, capable and resilient women. Life will inevitably present them with difficult decisions, and some choices will require courage. I hope they always trust themselves enough to make those decisions and, importantly, never regret choosing what they genuinely believe is right for them. As their dad, I’ll always worry. But more than that, I’ll always believe in them.