When they leave home...

[lildevon]

anyone else have children who have recently left home. I am finding it had, even though they are 20 and 22 and I still have 16 year old at home.
I replay everything and wish I had done it better. I miss them and worry constantly

[LineRunner]

When I left home to go to uni at 18, when I came back for Christmas my mother had moved house and chucked all my stuff out.

You sound really caring and fab.

Don't replay it.

[lildevon]

Thanks I needed that. I can't imagine how that felt. Thanks for your kind words.

[lildevon]

Do you know what they are brilliant resourceful adults ... You are so right... I need to stop thinking of them as my little boys I guess. Thanks mums I'm new to this but already I feel better :)

[LineRunner]

My two are teenagers and I do worry already about them leaving home - but I'd also like to be able to welcome them back without stifling them?

[ssd]

the very fact they are all grown up and you're still worrying about them shows what a caring mum you are

I'm desperate for mine to grow up so I can get some peace but they are my life and I never want them to go!

[mumblechum1]

at ice cube recipe

I'm kind of dreading/kind of looking forward to him spreading his wings.

[lildevon]

That's a good point. I never nag if they haven't rung, and so they ring me often. It helps that I don't live in the house they grew up in, as they come back as adults and don't slip into teenage mode in their old bedrooms. I probably try to feed them too much, and they seem to enjoy treating me to a meal i think it kind of affirms their grown up ness! It's a hard balancing act though, especially when they have a girlfriend, you have to stop yourself being annoying mother in law

[lildevon]

@ssd I know just how you feel and have to remind myself that at least now I can just leave the house with my bag and car keys rather than car seat, buggy, change bag, spare clothes, favourite toys, packed lunch, etc etc ( suddenly misses making packed lunches.... Sniff) :)

[mumeeee]

DD1 is 24 she went to uni at 18 came home in holidays at first bur then stayed more with her friends. She has now been married for almost 3 years and is teaching in London. She is a mature young lady and is standing on her own feet. DD2 is 22 in her final year at uni. She took a bit more time to grow up but is growing up and only comes home for short periods in the holidays. She told me at Christmas that her and her friends are planning to stay in their shared house and try and find a job when she finishes uni in June. I feel said that another of our DD's is leaving home permanently but also glad she is growing up like her older sister has and making a life for herself. Just think you have helped your DS's to grow into responsible adults.