the other side of hard
The time has come. For some of our college kids, it’s move-in day. For others, it’s already begun — pre-season sports, Greek life rush, leadership training. Even for me, as a mom, it’s a season that brings a swirl of emotions.
On one hand, I’m excited and ready for my boys to step into this next chapter. I know the growth that’s ahead for them — and for me. On the other hand, I can’t ignore the deep pit in my stomach that whispers, this will change us.
Lately, with my teen clients, I’ve been talking a lot about the idea that life has to be hard sometimes — because that’s where the growth happens. For an athlete, pre-season is the perfect example. It’s grueling. The heat. The two-a-days. The physical exhaustion layered with the mental drain of new plays, new teammates, new coaches, and no real downtime to catch your breath.
But we all know how the story goes. You push through, and on the other side of hard is the payoff:
You find a rhythm between school and your sport.
You connect with a friend or two you can be your truest self around.
You feel more confident walking around campus.
During those early days, you might want to give up, to wave the white flag. But deep down, you know what you want is on the other side of hard. The key is to remember your why. Remember your goals. And keep the right people in your corner — the ones who will remind you that the hard part is temporary, and the growth will last.
As parents, this is where we get to play a quiet but powerful role. Our teens need to hear that we believe in them — over and over again. Even if they roll their eyes. Even if they respond with a one-word text. They need our encouragement when the voice in their own head tells them they can’t do it. They need us to remind them of the times they’ve been brave before. They need to know that we’re here to listen without jumping straight into fixing mode. And sometimes, they just need a quick “You’ve got this” or “I’m proud of you” to keep them moving forward.
So whether you’re a parent sending your teen off, or you’re the one stepping into something new and challenging, hold onto this truth:
Hard is not the end. Hard is the bridge.
👉 Is your teen struggling with the start of the school year? I’d love to talk.
Click [here] to schedule a free discovery session or reach out directly at carinrassiercoaching@gmail.com.
