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Secondary education

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Boarding school mums - how do you cope?

155 replies

thekidstaxi · 31/01/2020 20:16

Mums with DC at boarding school, how do you cope with your emotions? Do you feel you experience feelings of loss or loneliness?
With the looming realisation my baby will be spending more time at school than home I am starting to worry how I will manage. I am a single mum and we are very close. It was dd's choice to board & had very legitimate reasoning for doing so.
I do work and will be doing further study but I don't think it will fill the inevitable void.
Please tell me how you get through without self medicating with copious amounts of gin!

OP posts:
GoAndAskDaddy · 31/01/2020 22:29

As someone said, you won’t get any sympathy on here; many don’t understand it. It is hard, but I love not having to nag/chivvy about anything; the time we have together is always for fun rather than day-to-day mundanity (I have a boarder child & day children). I know my boarding child is well cared for, is busy/stimulated all day/evening, not sat in front of a screen/hanging around on the streets & will not be that teenager dropping out of university in the first term. If your child is happy then you should be happy; there are so many unhappy day pupils in day schools. It’s not for everyone but has worked brilliantly for us. Keep strong.

thekidstaxi · 31/01/2020 22:23

Thanks @Banya400 ( I will dm you) & @Edtea. I know I'm going to struggle with it. It appears no one talks about the impact it has on parents, other than the negative 'its your own doing' ect ect.
I don't want to loose the relationship we have & ultimately I think it will make our relationship stronger & healthier but I'm aware I need to make that be the case. Practical advice from experience would be great.

OP posts:
Missarad · 31/01/2020 21:13

I wouldn't send her to board whether she likes it or not. X

Edtea · 31/01/2020 20:51

This reply has been withdrawn

Message from MNHQ: This post has been withdrawn

Banya400 · 31/01/2020 20:43

It is the hardest thing in the world. Well it isn't but it feels like it. You probably won't get any sympathy on here. People will be like 'Why have children if you are going to send them away' etc etc etc.

Mine board due to so many reasons and it really breaks my heart daily. They love it though. It works for us and them. Well everyone in the family except me really.

There are upsides though. I love not having to force them out of bed in the morning out into the cold and dark. I love not having to make them do homework. I love not having to cook dinner every night.

Please PM me, I would love to be able to help you through it. It is a tough one.

Also prozac and white wine...........