When they leave home

[GoldenMcOldie]

Nobody seems to talk about how much it hurts.

My DS (17) is moving overseas to study. He has worked very hard throughout school and so deserves this opportunity.

On the one hand I am so excited for him, on the other I feel quite bereft (sounds so so daft). He is so young, I feel sad, anxious and am tearing up a lot. Of course I don't let him see this.

Is it just me? Please tell me this is normal. Any words of wisdom or comfort. Perhaps a kick up the arse?

Totally understandable imo

Mine are 14 and 16 and I've told them they're never leaving home 😁

17 is young but what an opportunity for him! I would advise to try and see it from his point of view and be happy for him. Yes you will feel sad but he'll be doing what he wants to do and (I presume) he'll be easy to contact. Is he going very far? Will you be able to visit?

Thank you.

He is going very far - we are in Aus. He is going to Europe. We have 2 younger children, so visits will be limited.

I am so happy for him. At the risk of outing, he is going to study classical music/opera, so I know he is going to the best place.

I never thought I would react so badly. I am so sad.

He fills our world with beautiful opera, classical music, piano. The house is going to be so quiet.

Wow that's amazing for him. I'm sorry it's so far . But there's Skype and FaceTime and all that, I know it's not the same but you can see him and hear him and vice versa. It will be tough but he sounds brilliant and you've obviously done an amazing job getting him to this point

I agree about how much it hurts. My youngest went to uni in September and I'm really struggling now they're both away. I feel a profound emptiness. They phone and FaceTime often but I physically miss them. I want to stroke their hair!

Thank you Nancy.
Teenagers

Being a parent is so bloody hard.

When they are tiny, you just muddle through and hoping you are doing the right thing. This never changes, it just gets more complicated.

Then they leave. Crikey it's awful. All of his friends are studying locally so my mum friends aren't feeling like I am. I feel a bit silly, so am keeping quiet about it.

Oh God, my DS is a toddler and the thought of this is like having my heart ripped out. I can only hope that by the time it comes, I am ready as I can be. OP

Hmmm - my DS is sleeping in our downstairs bedroom. He's been living here since January! Can he take ds's place in your house, OP? I promise I won't cry! (DS is 40!)

@single, there us no winning eh?