Why do I feel like such a nag?

As my sons were growing up, I did the “right” thing…of giving them age-appropriate responsibilities.  Like “making” their beds.  Check.  Putting their toys back in the box.  Check.  Saying “please” and “thank you.”  Taking out the trash.  Feeding the dog.  Participating in Boy Scouts.  Getting a job.  Putting (a little) gas in the car periodically.  Check, check, check, check, check, check.

These building blocks continued and according to parenting experts, were the steps to help them become responsible young people, taking charge of themselves.

So why I am I still nagging them to get their college applications finished?

You’ve asked yourself (and them) the same question.  Again.  And again.  And again.

Baylor’s application process is open until February 1, 2019.

You want your student to complete the application, so that there is a “check” in that box.  Why is it so hard for them to get it done?

Students procrastinate…for many reasons, and rest assured, it’s probably NOT because of something that we did (or didn’t do) as we raised them.  But it can be frustrating for us to watch application deadlines loom while Suzie spends hours on social media or Johnny finds excuses to check his fantasy football team.

Baylor understands that students procrastinate.  (In fact, Baylor’s student engagement program, recognized as one of the best among national universities, offers a wealth of 1:1 resources to help students…more on that in a future post.)

Make sure your student completes the Baylor application soon, because Baylor loves all their students.  Even the procrastinators.

It will feel good to stop nagging.

Taking a Moment to Pause

And for a few days, the country pauses.

This week, we’ve watched the ceremonies commemorating the passing of our 41st President of the United States of America, George H. W. Bush.

Texans, particularly, stand proud, welcoming President Bush home, to join his beloved wife, Barbara, and daughter, Robin, at his museum in College Station, Texas.

Flags are lowered. Stories shared. Government quiets. Heads bow.

We pause.

For high school seniors, it’s the admissions season, often filled with stress. With waiting. Worrying. Disappointment. And often, joy.

George H.W. Bush shouldered more challenges than we can imagine. From being shot down in World War II as a 20-year old naval pilot, to losing a young daughter to leukemia, to moving his young family to Odessa, Texas, where he lived in a rooming house with others less fortunate.

We know how his story ended. And as Americans, we are grateful.

So, parents, during this busy season of admissions with our sons and daughters, let’s help them to pause…to find joy in their letters of acceptance. Perseverance in their disappointments. And fortitude to carry on through their senior year.  Remind them that their story is just being written.

Join us at Baylor, during this season of Advent, as we pause in anticipation of the joy who is Christ to come.