Succession Plan

If you haven’t read my post on planning for the future, stop and do that now. I have linked it it below because it shares my thoughts about how we can begin to prepare for a time when our kids go on without us.  

I know it can be a tough thing to think about.  Honestly, it sometimes brings me to tears when I think about Mikey, maybe not understanding fully why I am gone.  I promise, the only reason I would ever fail to be there for him is if I couldn’t…but that time will come.  I won’t always be able to be there for him.

I think some parents try to put this idea out of their minds.  It feels like we have so much to do as it is and planning for the future is just one more thing on the list.  Also, I think there are moments in which we might feel that it belittles our importance if our kids can just go on without us.  I think this is a flawed way of thinking.

First

The most successful people and companies have succession plans.  Look at the series Succession – they didn’t have a plan and that was a complete $h!t show (but if you haven’t watched it…you must…it’s fantastic!). 

Why

Succession plans don’t negate the hard work of the people who came before. Rather, they honor the legacy those folks would hope to leave behind.  We have been working our tails off to make our kids more independent, happy, able to function in the world.  Why would we want all of that to fall apart because we failed to pass on all the knowledge we have?

So

Start by writing down what you know about your child (especially if they cannot speak for themselves or articulate complex ideas).  Start with a babysitter binder.  Click the link below for ideas on that:

This will allow other adults to step in so you can gradually step back and allow your child to function without you.  Also, if you got hit by a bus tomorrow (I pray you will not), the binder would give everyone in your family the information they need to take over primary caregiver responsibilities. 

Let’s leave it there for today. This is a long-term goal (I’m hopeful we’ll all live long, healthy lives), but start to reframe it in your head.  You’re a beautiful gift to your child.  How will your legacy of love be carried on after you are gone?