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Parents of adult children

Wondering how to stop worrying about your grown child? Speak to others in our Parents of Adult Children forum.

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Son moving away

270 replies

Concernemum · 05/02/2024 10:40

My 22 yr old moved out of the family home in July to move in with his gf and her parents. Visits home have not happened very often. Now he has just dropped the bomb saying there moving to Brighton so she can go to uni. Have told him he always has a home here and doesn’t need to go with her but all am getting is but I want to. NOW before the “ he’s an adult “ posts start I know that but am hurting here big time

OP posts:
Somepeoplearesnippy · 08/02/2024 11:57

@Concernemum

There are two things that come across to me here -firstly it's clear that your heart is breaking. I get that. My adult D.C. have moved away and I miss them desperately but as a parent I have to let them go. They shouldn't have to hang around our home town because I would like it. It's not their responsibility to make me happy. I have to own that.

The other thing that strikes me is more practical and that's your lack of agency and perspective in this. You live in NI and he is moving to Brighton and you talk as though he is moving to Mars.

As someone with a home on the NW coast of Donegal and another in Brighton I can state categorically that NI and Brighton aren't that far apart! It's actually a very easy commute. I know people who do it every week.

Obviously cost makes that unaffordable for most of us but if you plan ahead, have some flexibility and book in advance the flights aren't expensive . ( I'm flying Gatwick to Belfast return next week for £60). So you can visit him and he can come home whenever he wants to.

I think you are showing us the tip of the iceberg here. There's a lot more going askew in your life than your son making life plans. Tackle the things you can control (health, living conditions, work, mental health etc) now and you will probably feel better and more able to cope with your son's life choices.

BestBadger · 08/02/2024 12:02

Concernemum · 05/02/2024 12:48

PickledOnionsRodger hi thanks for reply … he’s not going to uni his girl is … he’s just following her.
i work full time, social life is non existent,
plus currently going through the menopause and down with pneumonia so am signed off work at the minute.
He talks about getting a job though he hasn’t trained in anything… just extremely worried that he’s going to be alone for most of his time while his girl is at classes. We have no family or friends there to support him

He'll be fine. Brighton is a sociable place, with London in reasonable commuting distance. There are plenty of opportunities for work and socialising. The fastest trains to London are about an hr, the quickest to, Newcastle, for example, are under 3hrs.

When he comes to visit you, he'll likely stay over. If he wants to see his friends back home, he'll probably stay longer. You might actually end up seeing more of him.

If he's not happy there, you've told him he always has a home with you, so he knows he has the option to simply come home.

Nanny0gg · 08/02/2024 12:07

BeaRF75 · 05/02/2024 15:12

At 22 it is completely normal to move away from home for good - most of us did it. He'll find a job, even if it's not very well paid. This is just a normal part of growing up, so well done him.

I can see why the OP is worried.

He's gone headlong into the relationship, is losing touch with his friends. Doesn't see anyone outside his relationship. Moved into her family home and doesn't see his family and hasn't introduced GF to them either after a year.

He is either isolating himself or being isolated. The OP can't judge as he doesn't communicate properly

I don't think she's unreasonable at all

Roselilly36 · 08/02/2024 12:07

Hugs OP, that sounds really difficult. No real advice, just try to keep your emotions under wraps around him, you will always be his mum. Have they visited Brighton? It’s pretty expensive there IMHO! Good luckFlowers

serin · 08/02/2024 12:11

Awww OP, it's so hard when they move off but it shows you have done your job well 🥹. Empty nest is horrible but with effort you can adjust and finds different paths to busyness and happiness.
One of ours buggered off to the other side of the world and it was difficult to paint on a smile. She came back after a year though and we are closer than ever now.
My advice would be to wish him well, invite him and his GF out for lunch/dinner and really try to welcome her into your life. I wonder if he thinks you would disapprove of her in some way and that's why he doesn't bring her round?.
Your comment about feeling that life is not worth living anymore is concerning and you should really tell your GP if you have thoughts about ending your life as there is help out there.
I hope that you have brighter days soon.

Daisyblue2 · 08/02/2024 12:15

I totally understand , it an awful feeling, when my youngest moved out to live with her partner it was over 5 hours away, it actually feels like your heart is breaking,. One thing i can say is it does get better. But it takes a long time, its nearly 4 years and i still
miss her. People saying oh it normal. Just get over it have no idea how it feels. Just bee careful what you say to him as you dont want to make him feel he does not want to visit, try not to put your hurt on to him, hes got the right to live his own life and you should be proud you have raised a son who has the confidence to go and do that

Atethehalloweenchocs · 08/02/2024 12:16

Ok to have a vent. I have friends whose kids have moved across the world. It sucks. But part of being a good parent, they are secure enough to fly the nest.

tkwal · 08/02/2024 12:17

He sounds like a very "young" 22 year old .Could you suggest he lets the GF go ahead by a couple of weeks to settle in and then join her? If that isn't acceptable to him I'm afraid you're just going to have to let him get on with it. Don't burn any bridges with him because I know people change (mature) a lot at Uni and I doubt she will want him cramping her style for long.
I hope you can come to terms with his decisions. Especially while you're unwell and experiencing menopause,it must seem so difficult at the moment. 💐

Josette77 · 08/02/2024 12:29

Ihopeithinkiknow · 08/02/2024 00:25

I know this life is shite and I’m not gonna be all doom and gloom here but I lost my 22 year old son in 2022 in an accident and there really is no getting over that. I have tried to be positive and look for all the good things in life and I’m so thankful that I have millions of brilliant memories and me and my 14 year old daughter laugh every day when we talk about him but we miss him desperately. I am not saying suck it up because at least your son is still alive because your feelings are just as valid as mine but please look for the positives because we only get one life and he is still your son wherever he lives and this doesn’t need to be the disaster you think it will be. Text him and tell him you love him and that you are proud of him and who he has become. Take care

I'm so sorry for your loss. 💐

Op I hope you read the above post and take it to heart.

Your son is growing up.

Not wanting to be here anymore because he's moving away is concerning.

I think you need to see your GP and talk to someone.

Do you have friends and hobbies of your own?

hevs03 · 08/02/2024 12:30

Let him go with lots of support and encouragement, there's every chance the relationship may not last especially if she is going to be surronded by new student friends whilst your son will be hopefully working. Money will be tight for them, my Gran always used to say when poverty comes through the door love goes out the window and it's true, it could therefore be tough for him however he may well find himself, realise what he is capable of and forge himself a new life with or without the girlfriend, and if he doesn't then he knows you are there for him. Perhaps a small lump sum before he goes and a supermarket gift card for those first few food shops, will be a nice helpful way of assisting him but he then needs to stand on his own two feet. It will be hard for you all but it is life and if you've raised him right which I'm sure you have then he'll be ok. Lots of luck hope it all works out, you get to met the girlfriend and your son appreciates your concern.

Risun · 08/02/2024 12:34

OP, has he always been so secretive? My initial thought was he could be gay, I see others have had the same thought.

RampantIvy · 08/02/2024 12:56

He's gone headlong into the relationship, is losing touch with his friends. Doesn't see anyone outside his relationship. Moved into her family home and doesn't see his family and hasn't introduced GF to them either after a year.

I agree @Nanny0gg These are red flags.

There was a series of threads a while back from a poster whose son had got sucked in to an abusive and maniplulative relationship and ended up living with the girlfriend at her parents house. Things eventually resolved, but it was touch and go for a while.

We don't know why the OP is coming across as over protective, but we also don't know why the son is being so secretive or whether he is being manipulated by the girlfriend/boyfriend or their family.

There is clearly more to this than meets the eye. If he is gay why does he feel he can't open up to his family?

@Concernemum is your son's father on the scene?

Daisyblue2 · 08/02/2024 13:04

After reading all your replies you have to much invested i your relationship with your son, you talk about him as if he was your partner that left you for another woman. Hes not following her hes going with her, the way you talk about her is as if you see her as a rival. She not. Its natural for him to find someone . The fact he packed and texted shows he was scared to tell you which shows you are manipulative, you are blaming her for everything, you need to change the way you think about this or you will lose him forever. I know its hard all
you can do is change your behaviour

Daisyblue2 · 08/02/2024 13:06

Shes not using him as a security blanket . They are a young couple getting on with their lives. The fact shes not met her says more about the poster than her son and his partner

JudgeJ · 08/02/2024 13:28

If he isn't working can't imagine GF will put up with him long.

I wonder what she will be contributing financially to the set up? She may just want him there working to support her during her degree, after which he may be dumped once he isn't needed!

Reflectivegran · 08/02/2024 13:40

Reading your post took me back to about fifteen years ago when I was in a similar position. DS stayed in the same town but the gf in his case was horrendous and controlling. I had to meet him in secret after work. She allowed a joint visit to our house for an hour on Sunday, no other contact and he was so infatuated, he allowed it to happen! It broke my heart and put me on the verge of a breakdown. The relationship ended (hooray!) but a new girlfriend meant a move to London. When that relationship broke down he was bereft and took a job offer in Asia. I was at rock bottom and stressed beyond belief but in reality, I could do nothing. Fast forward a year and he met an English teacher also working out there. They are now still there, happily married with two little ones. I fly out to see them tomorrow! I would give a lot to have them as close as Brighton so it’s all relative. My advice would be to stop bombarding him with txts, he’ll ignore them anyway, I did the same so I know! Try to keep communication friendly with both of them, step back and try to reframe it if you can. I’m sad my family are so far away but it’s their life and I’m glad they’re happy. It took me a long time to get there, at a cost to my own mental health and nothing changed the outcome anyway. Sending hugs and hoping that all the advice here is a help OP 💐x

DoodlesMam · 08/02/2024 13:59

i left home at 17 to to to Uni and never went back home. Mum turned my room into an office! we get on well but it was made clear that I was a grown up now... i had been working for 2 years at 22 anyway. Be proud he's making his own way?

PieAndLattes · 08/02/2024 14:03

He will LOVE Brighton and it will be great for him to get a bit of independence. Time for him to cut the apron strings and fly. And Brighton is only an hour on the train from London so it’s easy to hop on a plane and go and see them. You’re the second anxious mammy from NI on here in the last few days, fretting over an adult child. I might set up an Anxious Mammy Psychology Service over there. I’m also interested in why you haven’t yet met her, and I would put 50p on her being a him.

Pipsickle3 · 08/02/2024 14:04

I think as a parent it’s hard sometimes. It sounds like you think he is following the gf. Maybe in someways they are holding each other back as her uni experience will be different with him there. But maybe they need each other. You say he hasn’t done much so far with his life. Maybe Brighton will be the push he needs. It’s a great social place. If it’s not for him he will return. As a parent I would be more concerned over oz but would still want my child to experience all that life has to offer!

ToothieWild · 08/02/2024 14:54

Daisyblue2 · 08/02/2024 13:06

Shes not using him as a security blanket . They are a young couple getting on with their lives. The fact shes not met her says more about the poster than her son and his partner

This.

OP, I think when he met his current partner (and their family) it’s far more likely that he saw a new way to live, with new independence, and has been focusing on building and learning from that time. When he has came to you you’ve seemed quite overbearing and have made it about how sad or worried it all makes you. The extreme negativity is telling him, essentially, that you don’t believe in him. You don’t think he’ll make it. This will make it very difficult for him to communicate with you at all, OP. Even if he genuinely wants to.

This absolutely explains his going low contact and why his partner, whom you have never met, might have the idea that you are narcissistic or manipulative. It’s certainly not came from her own interactions. I think his choosing not to introduce you, regardless of his partners gender, has been a way to protect his new blossoming and hopeful relationship from the negativity and judgement you’ve already assigned to it. The way you talk of her is very telling. But her parents aren’t suspicious of your son’s intentions, they are supporting them and allowing them to find their way together safely under their roof before spreading their wings fully. This is a huge bonus and very clever of them. Trialling cohabitation before leaping into moving to a new city and learning they maybe aren’t compatible.
I would be thanking them, OP.

Insisting he is just “following her” is degrading and infantilising him. This is his time to choose himself, to make his own mistakes and his own successes. He’s clearly trying to break away from being “mummy’s boy” and the more you respond to his need for space with smothering the further away he is likely to step.

“You can come home to mummy when the whole thing blows up” is not the way to show him you care. It’s a way to ensure he will never return, regardless of how this specific relationship works out. Jeez. Apologise and wish him the very best. Be supportive of them BOTH. Tell him you can’t wait to visit when they are settled in their first ever home together, and how exciting that prospect must be for him. That he’s a very good man to support his partner furthering her education. You’re happy he found love, you can’t wait to see the beautiful life they build together. I’d bet he’s longing to hear you just be happy for him and allowing him to be a real adult.

I think you would truly find happiness in that too, even if it seems scary.

SussieC · 08/02/2024 15:04

You are not loosing him. There are so many ways to keep in touch, social media. And videophone, what's app just a couple.
Boys are not so good at keeping in touch as girls but he will need you still. Time for yourself now.

Popetthetreehugger · 08/02/2024 15:22

I was I Brighton on Saturday, visiting son and DIL . They pay £1600 a month for a basement flat . Renting is brutal down there . Just keep a smile on yr face and the door open . This feeling will pass xx

Treesintwilight · 08/02/2024 15:35

@Concernemum I understand you are sad and want to vent, but you've asked here on mumsnet so everyone is going to share their view and so am I. If you truly want your son to excel in life, let go of the reins. He may not do what other kids his age are doing, but that is not going to be solved by you keeping him wrapped in your protective hold. Let him go, let him face the world and just be there for him for emotional support as and when he needs it. He may burn his fingers with this girl and/or Brighton move, or he may not, but let that not be on your account. The only thing you will achieve is upset all round and he will still do what he wants to do. You're better off waiting for him at the other end with a hug and cup of tea; or champgane to celebrate. Think of the long run; there is a lot that will unfold, he is only 20 something. Be very kind to the girl and treat her as you would your own daughter; she may be a big red flag to you now, but you are older, wiser, kinder and loving - that will be your superpower to ultimately help yourself and everyone else. Do not ever talk ill of her to him; time will reveal everyone's true colours. Find other hobbies, companion, etc. Meditate, a lot. Think of a graceful version of yourself, a lot. Send them good thoughts and enery, any time you think of them (which may be all the time right now). Take care. x

NotStylishOrBeautiful · 08/02/2024 15:37

Do you know the serenity prayer OP? I think it might help you.

God, grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference.

In this case, accept that he is moving. Accept that - at the moment - your relationship is damaged. Accept that his relationship, and his plan to move, are his own decisions and he has every right to make them.

Have the courage to try to improve your own life: increase your social contacts, aim for more fun. Have the courage to back away from him for a little while; give him some space (change the course of your relationship).

Wisdom to recognise that he is an adult, that he has every right to move away, that he is not responsible for your emotions.

haveacat · 08/02/2024 15:37

I feel for you OP.