Daughter off to university - dreading it...

[singledadcuckoointhemummsnetnest]

I'm a widower who's been bringing up my daughter since she was 5. She's got through A levels, is off to university in 3 weeks and while I am incredibly proud, I'm dreading the empty house, especially evenings - although not too fussed that I won't be subjected to Love Island any more or Harry Styles ad nauseam in term time. All my friends that are empty nesters have significant others - they're very sympathetic but don't get it. It'll be just me and elderly cats. I'm sure there are many other lone parents that have been through this and come out smiling. Any advice, hints and tips? Thank you in advance!

Yep DD heads from the NW to the SW in a few weeks too.

Still got DS 15 at home.

I work in a school, 5 days a week.
Planning on getting a fibroid removed, joining a local health spa, gardening ( well maybe!) baking, doing my GCSE maths and a load of sight seeing of the county I've lived in but not really explored in 16 years!

Here goes 🤞

U3A is only £20 per year then £2 or £3 per class usually, I go to a dancing class and am about to join the singing for fun group and the history group as have just joined this organisation, very friendly.

Do a course, join a choir, start volunteering ...she is starting something new
You can too
And will be able to share

@singledadcuckoointhemummsnetnest - as @Saynotomargarine U3a can be great - it can be a bit hit and miss , but MIL used to do quizzes , a book club & a music group - - I think it would be worth looking your local one.

That said - I still reckon this is she will be away for a while but will come back for holidays etc. Wait until you are my age and DC moving away to their own homes. University is a way of getting used to it.

I can't find it but there is a poem which goes along the lines of ' you gave me the wings to fly " - I think it is a parent's job to do the best you can and to realise if your children go on to do the next stage in their life - you have done your job. However much you may not like them being there all the time.

I wish you well @singledadcuckoointhemummsnetnest & I might say - there will be times you have not thought of yet which you will very much enjoy as DD goes through all the next stages - so things to look forward to

I do wish you well

Basilisk

You really will get used to your own company very quickly!! Love my children so much but am happy now looking after myself and the dog.X