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Starshine

Tongs for Nothing: My (Latest) Parenting Failure

Our columnist’s last-minute lessons for out-the-door teens.

Tongs for Nothing: My (Latest) Parenting Failure
Starshine Roshell

You know that moment when you’re heading out your front door for a big trip and you keep going over that mental list to make sure you’ve taken care of everything?

Dog sitter, mail hold, toothbrush, tickets, directions, deadbolt …

That’s where I am right now as a parent. My oldest is driving, earning paychecks from two jobs, and getting ready to apply to colleges. As he heads toward the front door for the trip of his life, that list keeps ticking through my head. Have I taught him everything he needs to know?