That’s it, she’s gone…

[Bitsadtoday1]

DD, 25, just driven off to spend the first night in the house she’s just bought. Gave her a cheery wave and said I’d see her tomorrow- she’s only a 5 minute drive away.

Her room here’s now pretty empty, spent weeks organising the new house so it’s ready to sleep in, and now it’s all over.

Did you worry?

Will she lock the door? Be careful down the stairs? (Steep stairs/ downstairs bathroom) Be scared of noises? Spiders?

How did you feel when your first one left to live alone? Did it take long to get used to it?

Thankyou for any insights, feel a bit flat!

@ScarlettDarling thankyou for your kind words.

I’ve really appreciated everyone’s input thankyou, it’s helped so much knowing lots of you have been through this and of course many more of you will in the future. And of course the main message seems to be that it’s ok to worry quietly to ourselves but our kids will be ok! X

I had two kids, was married and lived abroad at 25. Was absolutely fine. I have seen both of my kids leave home, the last one moved last weekend. I have always encouraged independence and I am glad they were both able to move out in their late teens. It’s such an empowering thing to do and I have been mindful of not hovering or acting upset that they have gone. It should be a happy occasion.

@Bitsadtoday1 my son was in a houseshare just before his 18th. It was the making of him - he didn't do Uni , did an apprenticeship and now shares in a rented flat with 1 other at 25 in lovely part of London- his flat looks great and he's a sensible lad- can build flat pack better than his dad. He calls at least 3 times a week and we see him about every 5 weeks.

My son moved in with his fiancee when he was 25 always had been just me and him after i got divorced. I came home every night from work to a cold dark house and went to bed and cried for a full year. He lives 5 mins away but it was a very hard adjustment for me i never obviously let him see that. I now love living alone,my house is the way i left it when i come back. I can walk around naked if i want. You bring them up to be good independent people but it was still a shock for me how hard it was.

My DD left home at 16 and moved in with a host we met once (via teams) 150 miles away. Had a miserable 1st year in uni and felt lonely in her halls.

Now entering 2nd year and already moved in eith 4 girls to a smashing house.

at 25 she will be absolutely fine, and just up the street!

You are bound to feel a bit flat, have a bit of a grieving period then crack on with your life.

Leaving home at 25 to live 5 minutes down the road in one of the world’s safest countries is the very definition of not-adventurous though, so you do not need to fear for her.