G
raduation is interesting: On the one hand, it implies completion — the graduate has achieved a significant goal. On the other hand, it suggests that the person is now ready to become a beginner — someone who can start the next phase, whether that involves the next level of education, or the practical application of knowledge attained.
The Graduate Parent
Every year, millions of people around the world get their PhD or, as it’s better known, the Parenthood Degree. This degree is bestowed upon a parent when her first child reaches the age of 20 (or marries — whichever comes first). The parent has raised a human being, seeing the youngster through every stage of child development from the first days of infancy through to adulthood.
She’s passed lots of tests along the way, survived sleepless nights, learned how to adapt to changing needs, acquired skills of patience, compassion, boundary setting, teaching, communicating, problem-solving, and so much more.
The parent has carried out research, conducted experiments, implemented findings. She’s invented new methodologies, interacted with the parenting community, and tutored younger parenting students. With her new degree held proudly in hand, she’s fully prepared to face the next stage of her career.
