It's the letting go I find so hard

[fusili]

I know this, I know these children aren't 'mine', and I know that I have to let them go as they grow older. But I find it so difficult. Of course, I am excited about the opportunities for the future. But the letting go is so so hard...

I just want a cuddle, really, and for you to say 'Oh, I know. It's so hard. I feel the same.'

How old are your DC Fusili?

It is so hard to imagine letting a baby/toddler go out in to the big bad world, but growing-up happens so slowly that by the time they are 18 it may be that you will feel differently.

Our DS1 is almost 18 and next year looks like being his last living at home full time. He is reasonably mature and just doesn't need us around in the way he used to.
It may be because we've still got two other DC at home, but I think I will be ready when he comes to moving on in another year or so.

Might be entirely different when DS3 leaves home of course....

We all feel the same. It is harder with your 1st born. I sobbed all the way home (nearly 2 hours!) when we left him on his first day at university.......I only cried for 30mins when we left his sister two years later..

None of it was easy. I was pleased when they went on camp, on school trips etc. and always let them go. I waved them off with a smile when really I wanted to keep them safe at home with me. I'm doing it again in 3 weeks 13 year old off to Paris with the school. He is child number 6.

It's just something we have to do as you say we don't own them!

OH gawd!!! I thought I'd got it sorted! DD is an only and is going into yr10 in September.

I keep thinking, 'another 4 years and she'll be off!'

I though (obviously misguided) that because she was an only, and I already have the experience of being childless, when she's on her weekends away or most weekends really, I thought I'd be fine, when and if she goes to Uni, but it's getting closer all the time and now I'm getting nervous!!!

There's only one thing for it MaureenMLove - have another one

Errrr, let me think about that for a moment........... No thanks!

Good to hear others feel the same; whatever the age. DC are 5 and 2, so just starting school and leaving our bedroom, respectively. Maybe it gets a bit easier as time passes. Just getting a bit on top of me at the moment. Thanks for your messages.