He's ready for uni - but I'm not!

[SlummyMummy65]

After an anxious summer wait, results day last week was a big success for my son - he achieved better grades than expected and is going to his first choice university. So all good, and he's very excited. And I'm so proud I could pop! The problem is, the reality of my first child leaving home, to go to a uni a four hour drive away, is really sinking in for me. I keep bursting into tears, having mini panic attacks, and am having to really try to hide how I feel from the rest of the family. I miss him even before he's gone!

Does anyone else feel like this? If you do, how are you coping? I feel a bit pathetic and selfish, tbh.

[MakeItStopNeville]

I didn't have panic attacks but I did find the run up to DC1 going to Uni very hard. The good news is by the time he went, I was 100% fine with it. You just have to remember that this is what you've been working towards since the day they were born and you did a REALLY good job! And then come home, sit on their bed, bawl your eyes out and you'll feel much better.

[SlummyMummy65]

Thank you for helping me see there is light at the end of the tunnel! So far I've been able to keep my feelings fairly quiet - it's my son's big life change and I don't want to spoil it for him.

[chelseahotel]

Yes it was hard but what made it all worthwhile was his happiness and excitement. Lots of other soon to be empty nesters on the Higher Education topics

[ssd]

I would be exactly the same

[Janika]

Same here last year. Lost so much weight in first year -him not me! Just managing to look normal again now after being back for the summer. Again 4 hour drive away so not quick visits home. Plus side he loves it and has made good new friends so that's all you want really isn't it?

[IveGotBillsTheyreMultiplying]

They come back home loads, it's not like they're gone forever. Just enjoy the stage you're at.

[SlummyMummy65]

Thanks, all, for your thoughts... I guess my own (selfish!) feelings are bound up with those fears that my boy won't settle and be happy. And also that it's the start of the inevitable 'leaving home' stage in his life 😔 I'll check out the empty nest threads.

[MusicianLab1]

Hi SlummyMummy! I'm in the same boat as you. I spent most of results day sobbing my heart out in to a pillow and all weekend! But am beginning to feel more excited than sad now, and of course immensely proud ❤️