Son at Uni abroad - feeling low

[hertsnessex]

First thread in years! My son has gone to Uni abroad - a great opportunity, I helped him with all the forms/visas and 100% support him. But we are all left a bit 'bereaved' by this - him included.

I know time heals, he will settle and have a great time, but its just the little things we all miss about being around each other at home.

We have about 5months til he is back for xmas which feels like forever.

Anyone else in a similar situation or have any tips? I feel unreasonable just feeling like this!

My younger son emigrated to Australia on November 1st last year and he's loving living there so far and can see himself settling there which I hope he doesn't. He's currently doing his rural work so he can stay on longer. I hope he'll return in the next couple of years.

Being able to video call each other helps big time. He walked around his apartments on camera so I could see where he's been living which helped visualise his environment.

You're not being unreasonable to miss him. It's an adjustment but you'll be surprised how quickly you'll both settle into a routine.

My older son went to the US on a J1 for 14 weeks when he was in college and had a ball but I counted down the weeks to his return. My younger son the one that's currently in Australia went to Vancouver on his J1 equivalent and I again counted down the weeks and both times knew it wasn't for a long time.

It's the little things they do that I miss and also the physical contact such as a hug when they see me.

Do something nice for yourself. If it's not too far abroad would it be possible to fly over for a weekend?

I'm looking forward to when I can go to Australia but I have to wait until my son finishes his rural work and know where he plans on going after that before I can book flights but it will probably be next Easter at the earliest before I can fly there.

Take care

I had a big party for my 60th last Saturday and we did a video call to my son in Australia so he was able to see all my guests and chat to all his relations though it was 8am and he was in bed so it was great that he was able to be part of the celebrations even from afar.

Thank you for replying. Video calls really help and I think all we can do is just give it time. Big events etx is a hard one, but he should be back for xmas which is something to look forward too x