DD missing her uni life and looking forward to going back ....

[BigSandyBalls2015]

.... I’m torn between feeling hurt by this and feeling grateful that she’s settled in so well and made lovely friends.

First year

I think it's normal. I remember doing my year abroad as part of my degree and finding it very odd to have built up a life then left it to come back to my old one temporarily. It's part of the experience of going to university I think.

Normal . I found being home for Christmas the most surreal experience in my first year. That was 20 ish years ago and I can still remember the feelings so well.

Agree it's normal.
I found uni a complete culture shock. Felt like an independent, cosmopolitan babe...then I landed back in my teenage bedroom with my parents, granny etc and reverted back to being 'little spied'. Felt lovely but a bit 'different'.

It’s a good thing! Honestly. Very normal for her to want to get back to her friends and course and university life. It doesn’t mean she doesn’t love her family but a really positive part of growing up and becoming independent.

Totally normal and a good, healthy thing, all part of growing up. It's hard, though, isn't it?

Totally normal. No reason at all to feel hurt.

I think you should feel happy for her.

That’s great you’ve done a good job sign of good parenting to make yourself obsolete! Better that than sobbing down the phone and failing to launch

I think it's part of a continuum - there will come the time that she views Christmas with mum with pleasure and nostalgia and actively want to spend time with you but on a different footing .

Mine too, wants to go back early !

Just dropped my 20 year old back at her student house. It was lovely having her home for a week but she wanted to get back to prepping for her New Year's Eve Party ( best I don't think about that!).

Yep mine already gone back, she wants to get back to her friends in her shared flat and all get ready for NYE etc. It's better to have them over for a few days and all really enjoy the time rather than them feeling pressurized to stay just because you want them home?...still miss her already though :(

Dd said today she can't wait to go back, also first year. I was a bit but we live in a quiet area (small NW town) and she likes the bustle of London.
It's a good sign I suppose!

Our job as a parent is to raise children who are independent, confident, and excited about forging their own future. You have clearly done a brilliant job.

Yep agree. Normal. Well done that you have done an excellent job of making yourself redundant - which is the long term job spec for a parent😂

I’m afraid now youngest especially is a bit wearing on the old patience (intercalated year. Bank to Canada soon !). We had the mother of all strips because her sister finished her jigsaw 😂

That’s great you’ve done a good job sign of good parenting to make yourself obsolete!

Very true - but simultaneously taken for granted, that you'll still be there for them if needed!

I'm sure my DS2 would be the same but his new Uni girlfriend lives reasonably close so he's spent a fair bit of time with her, either out, at hers or at ours. DS1 was looking forward to having him back but hasn't really had him to "play" with :o

I'm taking it as a positive thing to be honest but it's quite tough so I definitely get where you are coming from. One of his flatmates didn't want to go home at all. he was quite happy to see his family, he just said his home town/village was really boring and he couldn't wait to get away and doesn't want to go back.

Thanks all