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AIBU?

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Original poster

Child growing up - finding it really difficult

52 replies

lakelike · 29/06/2023 16:08

I have one DD, She turned 18 in April, has just finished her A-Levels, is likely to move to London in September for university (we live in Cumbria so the literal other end of the country). Tomorrow is her prom, the on Sunday, she, her boyfriend and two friends leave to travel around Europe for 6 weeks, be back the Monday before she gets her A-Level results and all being well, move to London soon after.
I am not coping. she is my only child and was a massive surprise, my DH and I were told we couldn't have children then when we were 38 and 40 got pregnant with her, she is incredible and truly our best friend. I'm so proud of the incredible young lady she is becoming but I'm also struggling with her growing up massively.
The fear of her travelling and moving away is all consuming, I can't sleep for worrying that she will get hurt, or fall ill, or something awful will happen while she is away and I won't be there to help or look after her. DH keeps telling me I'm being crazy and she will be fine but it seems like every time I turn the news on something awful has happened.
AIBU to be so worried?
Mums of grown up children. how did you handle? Am I going crazy?

OP posts:
elenacampana · 29/06/2023 17:34

I have one child, my daughter. She’s a toddler now, but I’ve started to wonder how I’ll find it when she grows up and builds a life away from us. I think I’ll find it difficult, but also will be pleased that we have raised a young woman capable of holding her own in the world, which I think is the ultimate goal really. It sounds like you’ve raised someone with confidence and the ability to be independent - be proud of that and look to find other ways to fulfil your life as well as being a loving parent.

DustyLee123 · 29/06/2023 17:27

It’s hard, but it does get easier.
When my first went to Uni I was tying myself in knots wondering where she was, was she getting murdered somewhere. It took time, but eventually I realised that I could go a day without thinking about her.
You need to find things to occupy your mind while you let her go.