My last bird has flown the nest.

[LallybrochLass]

Yesterday DH and I dropped my youngest DS (18) off at his new halls, ready for him to start college next Monday. He's so ready to leave home and so excited for this new chapter of his life but oh I'm going to miss him!

For the first time in almost 23 years I won't have any children at home, I think it really struck me this morning when I went into the bathroom and there were only two toothbrushes in there.

I'm not really sure why I'm posting, DH and I have lots of things planned (holidays etc) which I'm really looking forward to but I'm so used to having a houseful of teenagers (DS's friends seemed to live here most of the time!) that it's just going to seem really strange for a while.

I know that DS will be okay, he's such a laid back happy boy who makes friends easily and he's moved to the same city where DD (22) is living so they will see a lot of each other - they are really close. I think I'm just feeling very emotional this morning, hoping I've done enough to prepare them both for life in the big bad world.

Tell me it gets easier?

Haven’t got to this point in life yet OP where they’ve all gone but the first has flown the nest and I remember how much it hurt. to you - someone with more experience of this will be along soon to offer advice. It will get easier.

Yes it gets easier but it does take time. Focus on two things would be my advice. Firstly - that you have given them wings to fly. You've raised them to be confident and able to fledge - wouldn't it be awful if they hung around at home and didn't have lives away from you. Secondly - focus on stuff that is easier without them! Coffee cups going missing, mess, noise.

One of my children is on another continent. It has taken me an awful long time to get used to that.

My first is going to uni soon I've bought two kittens to help me cope

Oh I so sympathise! Mine are primary school age and I can already imagine how hard it must be!

I won't miss the mess! I do however still have a dog, two cats and a guinea pig still here which the kids begged for and promised faithfully to walk, feed and look after!