DS off to Uni on the 18th. So so proud of him, he worked so hard for his A levels and got his first choice. I know this is the right thing for him and I am positive and cheerful about it when we chat.
But inside I am just feeling so sad at the thought of him going. He's such a big presence in our house, loud, funny, kind, huggy, goofy, annoying 😆, it's going to be so strange. We have a younger DS too who is going to be a bit lost without him.
Just the thought of dropping him off is making me want to cry and I know I can't do that until we're on the way home! Needless to say he's our eldest so this is all very new.
Tell me to pull myself together wise MNetters. Why is this so hard!
Talk to other parents whose children are preparing for university on our Higher Education forum.
Higher education
How do I stop feeling so sad? Please tell me this is normal!
smelters · 03/09/2022 23:19
Londonnight · 04/09/2022 08:16
Mine leaves on the 17th. He had delayed starting uni for a couple of years, so is one of the older ones, but it has meant that I have had him home for an extra couple of years.
I have been okay about it until now, but reality is settling in, now I am dreading it. I know it is the right thing for him and he will do really well, but I am going to miss him so much. It has only been me and him for the past 12+ years, so going to be a real empty nest for me.
caringcarer · 04/09/2022 09:25
OP when it came time for my eldest child, dd to go to Uni, DH was working away from home. I had to take her alone. I got all her stuff in car, she said her goodbyes to her brothers and we set off. When we got there I helped her unload all her stuff and make her bed. Then I took her grocery shopping to fill her fridge shelf and section of freezer. We had a late lunch then time for me to leave. I was determined not to cry in front of her. I cheerfully waved goodbye, drove around corner and into a car park and cried for 10 minutes before I could dry my eyes and drive home. Several years later dd revealed to me she went to her room and cried for a few minutes too. But we both waved a cheery goodbye.
goldfinchonthelawn · 04/09/2022 09:39
Cry your yes out if you need to. It is a MASSIVE change. And the emotion is not all just to do with him leaving. It's to do with the monumental task you undertook to raise him to adult hood, which is now done and very abruptly snatched from your control.
I had bad empty nest syndrome, but then both DC came back as their unis shut down due to lockdowns - everything was online and halls were closed for about six months. That really helped me. By the time they went back I was ready for them to go because I saw how badly they needed and wanted to begin adult life.
Tips -
Focus on one or two things to do for yourself - get fit, take up a new study or job or volunteering post
Read up on how to be a good parent to adults. It's a different job, which largely involves keeping your mouth shut, I have discovered!
Visit him once a term. Zoom call once a week if he is up for it. Send him cake, hot water bottles etc - small things he needs.
Focus on your younger DC.
Sort your house out.
See friends, especially ones in a similar life stage or just beyond it. they get it. I love my friends whose DC are a couple of years older. They have so much wisdom on what to expect next.
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ChateauMargaux · 04/09/2022 11:55
I am also driving a long way... France, near the Alps.. I am DREADING the drive home ALONE!!
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