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Original poster

Sad about sons returning to uni

12 replies

anotherglass · 05/01/2025 20:02

it was so lovely having both my sons (21 & 18) home from Uni for the Xmas break. We’ve had some happy family times and it was great to have a noisy, lively home again. After two weeks of relative joy at having the brood back a thud of sadness hit me today about them leaving again to go back in two weeks. I find these feelings of sadness quite overwhelming, at times. Looking to support anyone else trudging through the sad run up to another Uni drop off. Saying cheerio should be getting easier! Thank you

OP posts:
Hoppinggreen · 05/01/2025 20:06

DD going back on Friday, she is at her boyfriends until tomorrow.
I feel like I have come back to life since she has been home and I am very sad she is leaving again. I still have DS here for a couple more years yet though.
I am very lucky that she keeps in touch while shes at Uni and messages me almost every day and we FT once a week, she's not far either so I can pop down for lunch (if she invites me)
I am just happy she settled in well

HermioneWeasley · 05/01/2025 20:08

DS going back tomorrow after his first term. It’s been lovely having him home and we will all miss him, but it’s great he’s settled and happy.

DangerMouseAndPenfoldx · 05/01/2025 20:09

Yes! Although at the moment I am trying to still just enjoy the time, rather than focussing on when it ends. I have always, always lived just chilling out together as a family. It is so hard when they are not here (fortunately just one at Uni currently).

nestingvillage · 05/01/2025 20:12

I hear you, I find it difficult too. I find the transitions most difficult tbh, once I'm in my groove again it's ok but the bit where the plaster is ripped off - ouch, it stings.

Be careful posting here though, posters love to tell you your kids should be fully independent and just get over it which can be very hurtful.

Original poster
anotherglass · 05/01/2025 20:17

nestingvillage · 05/01/2025 20:12

I hear you, I find it difficult too. I find the transitions most difficult tbh, once I'm in my groove again it's ok but the bit where the plaster is ripped off - ouch, it stings.

Be careful posting here though, posters love to tell you your kids should be fully independent and just get over it which can be very hurtful.

Thank you. This is not my first rodeo with kids leaving home as eldest DS is in final year of Uni so been back and forth a few times with him. However this is the first Christmas with both DS back from uni and leaving again. Just need some strategies to get through the wobbles over the next week or two before drop off.

OP posts:
Original poster
anotherglass · 05/01/2025 20:18

HermioneWeasley · 05/01/2025 20:08

DS going back tomorrow after his first term. It’s been lovely having him home and we will all miss him, but it’s great he’s settled and happy.

It’s much easier to say cheerio when they are settled. Well done to your DS!

OP posts:
BeyondMyWits · 05/01/2025 20:30

I have 2 daughters... one went back to her uni town on Monday before new years eve parties, the other lives at home and starts back at local uni tomorrow.
Both so different.

bringonyourwreckingball · 05/01/2025 20:43

I have loved having dd1 back after her first term but it has been an adjustment - dd2 and I had got used to our calm and ordered existence and only needing the fridge to be stocked with a quarter the amount of food (dd1 comes with a rugby playing boyfriend). I am so happy that she is happy and settled though.

ShineCow · 05/01/2025 21:08

I think it's a case of finding distraction and planning visits. It's tough Flowers

nestingvillage · 05/01/2025 21:09

ShineCow · 05/01/2025 21:08

I think it's a case of finding distraction and planning visits. It's tough Flowers

I agree with this, I find if I have something planned, even if it's a while away, it's easier.

doneandone · 05/01/2025 21:23

Same, dd went back today as she's working before her term starts again, it's been a lovely Christmas, chilled but fun and busy.

Oldenpeculiar · 05/01/2025 21:59

nestingvillage · 05/01/2025 20:12

I hear you, I find it difficult too. I find the transitions most difficult tbh, once I'm in my groove again it's ok but the bit where the plaster is ripped off - ouch, it stings.

Be careful posting here though, posters love to tell you your kids should be fully independent and just get over it which can be very hurtful.

Yeah this is me, I find it hard to adjust when my DD goes back after being home, I've worked all over Christmas and New Year and have a bit off now - right as she's going back, I feel a bit resentful tbh which is unreasonable really, but it'll wear off when I get back into the routine when she's not here, just takes a few days adjustment.

We have a good relationship and I miss her when she's not here, it's always just been me & her, so I think that's natural really.

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