Last day of school and how to handle it

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Today is DS's last day at school with study leave starting in prep for A Levels in a few weeks. They are having a special lunch for leavers. DS is my last child and I feel quite pensive. DS is quiet and sensitive and won't probably talk about it after school. Part of me wants to bawl over a mug of warm soup. Wasn't it just yesterday when I took him to pre school? Another wants to be upbeat and forward looking. He does have important upcoming exams. I want to tell him how I feel, ask him how he feels but then not make him even more anxious (if he is) or sad (if he is)....just want to know what other moms feel and what you've done when (if) you've faced this....

I’d be led by him. I don’t think I’d offload your own feelings of sadness. He might not know what to do with them! You could generalise it a bit more if you want to acknowledge the ‘rite of passage’. but don’t want to put him on the spot - “how’s everyone feeling about the last day - must be strange to think there’s no more school?” He’ll either say “yeah, can’t wait!” or something else which can direct the conversation.

Agree with PP, be led by him. Don't let your feelings project onto how he's feeling. I like the idea of asking him generally how everyone is feeling. Surely he'll do something social with friends after school anyway?

Don't tell him how you feel. I was thrilled to leave school, I felt like I'd outgrown it and whilst I'm sure my mum felt the same it would have made her feel more distant if she'd shared that at the time.

I personally feel it's very exciting.

My ds was badly bullied during upper primary/lower secondary so I am happy that we will be leaving school behind.

They have seen the year above leaving, most are ready to leave themselves.

Yes my son had his last day on Tuesday, he’s my youngest of four. Tbh he’s hated sixth form so for him it’s a relief. For me, the end of an era… I think I’m also relieved in a way. Im glad that the formalities are almost over. The rest is choice, and is on them. It’s different. I’m actually quite pleased my direct responsibility is over. ( I say that lightly as I have others at uni!)

Leavers day for DD too, but I really don't see it as much different to any other day. There are optional lessons continuing. Her real last day will be the last exam, and my concern there is that she is the only one finishing that day. I had the same, and it felt very flat afterwards, so I think we'll book the day off and take her out for lunch afterwards.

thank you all! Feeling much better now after having read your comments.
@lanthanum, yes, I remember feeling quite flat after my own A Levels. Day off and lunch sounds a great idea.

My DD's last day was yesterday. TBH it doesn't feel quite real yet - she has some revision sessions still and then obviously all her exams. From what DD's said, she feels very much the same. I think it may hit more after last exam or maybe results day.

I've now seen the speech DD made today (small sixth form, they were all invited to do one) - I might have cried if I'd been there!

My kids couldn't wait to leave school and I don't recall having any sadness around it. Yes they are growing up but that's kinda the point! But as PP have said don't go off loading your feelings on to him. A hug and 'I'm proud of you' might just do it.

I have mixed feelings which I'm not sharing with ds.

His last day really is his last exam. It coincides with a leavers service and they are having a leavers dinner. So really that's his last day.

Just want to know what other moms feel and what you've done when (if) you've faced this....

TBH I don't remember feeling anything very much. DD's last day was the Friday before spring Bank Holiday, and everyone went to school in fancy dress.

What did I do? I picked DD and her friends up from the pub and dropped them off at their various homes.

The day after her last exam DD and her friends went to Lanzarote for a post A level holiday.