How do you navigate the bittersweet emotions of watching your child graduate while learning to parent in new ways as they become adults?
In this heartfelt episode of Whinypaluza Wednesday, Rebecca Greene welcomes listeners with her family for an intimate discussion about major life transitions. The episode features daughter Ella discussing her new "Teenage Tuesday" blog column and the Platinum Rule - treating others how they want to be treated, rather than how you want to be treated.
Rebecca shares her deeply personal reflections on motherhood and graduation as her son Max transitions to college. She explores the emotional complexity of celebrating achievements while grieving the end of one parenting phase and beginning another. The conversation covers practical advice, including legal documents for 18-year-olds, managing college stress, and learning to "let go" without completely letting go.
The Greene family demonstrates real-life parenting dynamics, showing how every stage brings new challenges and how parenting evolves rather than ends. Rebecca emphasizes that showing up consistently matters more than being perfect.
Key Takeaways
➤ The Platinum Rule goes beyond the Golden Rule - Treat others how they want to be treated, which requires genuine understanding and respect for individual preferences.

➤ Parenting transitions are about new ways of holding, not letting go - As children become adults, the relationship evolves, but the connection remains strong.

➤ Every child gets a different version of you. Parents grow and learn with each child and phase, meaning younger siblings benefit from lessons learned.

➤ Success isn't just about academics - Character, kindness, and how children treat others are equally important measures, often revealed through teacher comments about behavior.

➤ Showing up consistently matters more than being perfect - Parents need to be present and engaged, modeling how to handle being human rather than being flawless.
Quotes from the Episode
"The platinum rule is that you should treat everyone how they want to be treated, instead of treat everyone how you want to be treated." - Ella Greene
"It's not about being perfect. It's about showing up, and it's about just doing it every day and parenting every day... I just showing up makes me a good parent." - Rebecca Greene
For more insights from Rebecca Greene and to read Ella's "Teenage Tuesday" columns, visit: https://whinypaluza.com/

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