First born fleeing the nest

[Ly88y]

Hi
I'm struggling that my first born is soon to flee the nest and head of to university. I am so proud that they are going but the thought of seperation is really upsetting me. How do I handle this?

Don't show them that you feel sad, otherwise they may feel guilty about going. Put a fake smile on when they leave, look happy etc and as soon as you drop them off you can have cry in the car.

My one and only child who I raised as a single parent for most of her life left 3 years (she has just graduated), I felt lost for months but it gets easier as I was at home alone. I went and visited her every few weekends which was lovely.

I miss her but it was nice to be able to put myself first and have freedom, I have picked up numerous hobbies (yes I know cliche) and my social life has been revived, I can meet friends whenever I feel like it. I have definitely embraced entering this new phase, I miss her but I don't feel sad when she leaves.

When they are at uni, they come back for long periods of time anyway over the holidays.

DD is about to go off to NZ for a few months in August, that will be hard. Thank god for modern technology She has already told me I am not dropping her off at the airport otherwise I will burst into tears (then she will!) which is true

I would echo all that Chipsnmayo has written.
You're going into new parenting territory in that this is the first time you've had to do this so you don't know what to expect about how either of you are going to feel.

My parenting mantra has been roots to grow and wings to fly. You're going into the next stage of parenthood where you can interact as adults. You'll be able to see the foundations you've laid over the last 18 years stand him/ her in good stead. Perhaps try to have something nice planned to keep you occupied the first weekend they are away so that you aren't as aware of their absence in the house.
Good luck to you both!

Many thanks for your advice. He leaves in the morning. It's just a very weird feeling, one that I am sure many parents are feeling around the country.
''like branches on a tree they all go in different directions but the roots will always remain strong''