I just put DS on the plane by himself...

[Starmummy]

Just feeling a bit down, well alot really. I put DS(10) on a plane by himself today. We were all bright and jolly, didnt talk too much about last weeks events but he was very sensible about what he could and couldnt take in his bag. The biggest problem for me was handing him over to the care of the airline, to someone I didnt know. It broke my heart. I know people do this all the time but I found it really hard. I've only ever left him by his self twice and then for only 15 mins - to get him used to this trip. To make things worse the plane was 35 mins late taking off which meant he was sat with someone he didnt know, probably too worried to take anything out of his bag incase he forgot it and lost it. And then on the drive home I heard about the plane crash in Russia. I couldnt sort my head out, I was devestated for all those people for their loss but I could only think of DS. DH of course had to be away yesterday and today for a meeting. I just feel a bad mother for sending him by himself so young. I'm dreading his return journey at the end of next week and I miss him so much even though I know he's having a great time. Did I do the right thing or is he too young?

where has he gone???????

how can you have never eft him alone before when he's 10? what about going to school?

Oh it wastnt far just 1 hour but it seemed ages to me! Its all to do with not driving 5/6 hours to GP's and back two weeks in a row. And yes he does go to school but I drive him. Also at school he knows the teachers and that he has his friends and stuff. I feel like a drama queen now.... (slinks off quietly) Sorry - just a bit miserable really.

Aww i sympathise it's always hard leaving them, what has he gone for? where has he gone?

He's gone to visit his grandparents. They live in the West Country and during the summer holidays the drive can be a real drag 5 or 6 hours each way. DS loves his GP's and was looking forward to it but I think we may have made the trip too long. The good news is that they fly from us all year round now so next time (cant beleive I'm saying that but I guess the worst is over) the trip wont need to be for so long and he can go more often for a shorter amount of time IYSWIM. Better for them as well I think as GDad is 80! I think that worries me as well but they love to have him and they do come to us a couple of time a year as well. I'm sure he will be fine and it just me. Although my friend tells me that when she drops her grown up daughter at the airport she still feels the same.

ooh no i wasn't being mean, just ignore me .

i would be sad too. has he phoned yet to say he's arrived?

Ah, what a fab experience for your DS Starmaker
I know you will worry - it is your job, you are his mum .... we all worry about our children going somewhere without us (well, I do anyway) - but I think your DS will get a lot out of this ... as will his grandparents.
We plan to let DS go to see his grandmother on a plane when he is about 10 - if we are back in NZ by then that is. I don't think I could face letting him go on a 3.5 hour flight from Aus to NZ then ...

Yes he has phoned and he said it was great. He was very casual about it like it was no big deal for which I am really pleased but it didnt make me feel any better whilst I was waiting. They gave him a voucher for a snack and a drink and everyone else had to pay. That seems to be the highlight as he "spent" the voucher on a can of pepsi and a packet of pringles I bet he was glad I wasnt there. So if that was his issue of the day then I'm sure everything will be ok. He said they waited 5 mins then got on the plane and took off 5 mins later. I know it was 55 mins because I felt every second.
Ghosty if you get the chance it would be a fantastic opportunity but make sure you can cope. The airline was great, nobody was allowed to sit next to him except the stewardess, and in the airport the check in person when the flight had closed remained with him. It seems she had younger brothers and sisters and so chatted away with him. He wore a blue vest over his clothes and had a pouch around his neck containing his passport, boarding card, voucher and ticket book. He had a book that each person had to sign to make sure he wasnt given to anyone, Dgp had to show their passports as I will when he comes home.
I'm sure he feels really grown up and at school he will be really cool - as for me I'm just glad that gap years are still a long way off. Thanks for listening to me ramble.