Ah, the wonderfulness that is prom season is upon us. This is the time of year that the malls are filled with teen girls preparing for their big day buying gowns and accessories and getting their hair curled and primped. 

Mothers like me are also bustling around to make sure that each and every detail is taken care of for this monumental night of teenage-hood. But this is also a time of year for sadness for some of us as we notice that our children are growing up and will soon be adults. What is supposed to be a glorious time can be a melancholy event for parents who recognize that their children will soon be out of the family nest.
 

A few weeks ago when my son announced he was going to prom, I was quite cool. I went to prom both my junior and senior year in high school and considered it a big deal. But as the event creeps closer, it has been a time of reflection for me. This little boy who used to poop in diapers and follow me around like my shadow is now 17 years old, attending prom, and will be graduating next year and going off to college. How can this be?
 

It is also a stressful time for me because my son’s father is in another state and it is up to be to do all of the prom preparation. This is when co-parenting can become tricky. Even with communication and support, there is no one else to do all of the hard work. \

I am thankful to have a husband that is supportive of his stepson and a family that is willing to help me whenever I need it, but it doesn’t replace a co-parent. Through a lot of dedication, we all seem to make it work. Every once in a while, an event will occur like this, that shows me that co-parenting is not for the faint of heart.
 
Despite my reflecting and somber mood, I am a good sport in front of my son. He has no idea that my smile hides the frown of a mom whose baby is growing up.
 
It’s prom season and I am in tears. But I will get over it.

By Danyelle Little, Co-Parenting Blogger for SmartParenting