Coming of Age Ceremonies
Launching The Age of Intimacy – Leaving the Home; Away to College
As you watch your child prepare to leave home, you are struck with the fact this is now an adult before your eyes. It's scary to release them to the rest of the world, and sometimes it is this fear that frames this important transition. Parents or guardians begin to stress the importance of responsibility, and making good choices and getting "their heads on straight". While this is a valid and natural response, it is not the whole picture and is not what is at the heart of their development. In fact one could say that at this age the crucial task is to get your “heart on straight".
People make better choices when they feel accepted, understood, valued and respected. As we launch our children out into the world, wouldn't it be a relief if they knew all of the ways in which their friends, family and loved ones accepted, understood, valued and respected them? Wouldn't they receive so much by knowing who they can count on for guidance in certain areas of their lives when they aren't sure what to do, rather than feeling isolated and confused?
We use the phrase "you're on your own now" and yet this is exactly the opposite of what this developmental age is trying to accomplish. It is intimacy, authentic connection with others and themselves, which is most important now. Rite Path Home works with families in creating special ceremonies that encourage and foster many important levels of connections that will support this person as they encounter the adult world, as well as model for them what authentic relating looks like.
Kim is also available to lead small groups (6-8 in number) for this age group designed specifically to address the developmental task of Intimacy.
COMING OF AGE