Son leaving home albeit for a short while

[Shoegal0305]

So, my son is 17. First year A Levels. He's been offered holiday work in the niche market of what he wants to do for a living. I'm really pleased for him, really I am, however it's just been us two since he was 3. It's a 2 and a half hour drive away, he'll be living with friends who are the university course he wants to start 2021. He is going tomorrow and will be back early September. I'm trying to look at it as a trial run for next year when he really flees the nest. I feel sick as it's been pending a while but very short notice logistically ..... the company he is working for want him to start in two days time. I've arranged it all I'm driving him there tomorrow and staying over in a B&B.

Please tell me I can do this....... 😂

You have got this. Be brave and send him off with a smile. Have you made some plans for yourself over the next few weeks?

@unicornsarereal72 thank you. I work shifts so mainly work but hey ho. I feel as single parents we have it slightly harder when they grow up as we don't have partners to help shoulder the stress. I'm
Trying to look at it as a trial run for next year when he goes off to university. Again it's the same place so a long drive away. X

Be proud that you have raised a confident young man who has been able to secure a job in a niche market - that is a fantastic achievement especially in the current economic climate.

Many 17 year olds are just lazing around doing nothing, well done to you both.

Try and plan some nice treats for yourself.

@Ragwort thank you I'm really proud of him and he's so excited. It's just this feeling of losing him albeit for a month or so. But thank you I will try and plan some treats........ tho what I'm not sure haha.

Sometimes the anticipation of them leaving as a single parent can seem worse. I had 2 go off to uni the same year, also very long drives when I was not used to driving so far to unfamiliar cities. However as a single parent we have no choice.
Honestly at first the house seemed so quiet and I cried buckets, luckily they both came home frequently at first. Then of course it was all about looking forward to their visits but the upset of them leaving again.
It has been 5 years now and both have left uni and gone out in the world. Going to uni while yes they can seem to be home more than they are away really is the beginning of the end ofhome life as you knew it. It gradually creeps up on you until they are gone for longer and longer periods which was a good thing for me as it was more gradual.
It is the circle of life and it is right that they get on with their lives. Your life will become very different, there is no option but to get on with it.

It's not easy but you quickly get used to it. Dd got a scholarship at 16 to board, not easy at all but was the best option for her

@okiedokieme @crimsonlake thank you you are both so right. Getting on with it as I text....... onwards and upwards haha!

Just dropped him off 😞😞😞 now for the long drive home

I think it is better you are coming straight home, no need to stay overnight as it is a relatively short journey. Get home and make yourself something easy to eat and enjoy a couple of glasses of wine. The house will seem quiet at first, try and keep yourself busy this weekend if possible even if it is just within the house.

@crimsonlake thank you. I have a friend coming round tonight for a glass of wine. I just feel 'flat' the house doesn't feel homely 😞

Yes, it does take some getting used to and then some. Sometimes I think a house is not a home unless it has people living in it, especially when my boys visit and the house feels empty again. To be honest that is not a good mindset and you just have to get on with life as it is now.
Good that your friend is coming around.