My son going to Univeristy

[Mandy001]

Personally I'm on a massive roller coaster of emotion right now, and could do with some words of wisdom!

I only have the one child, and he is going to University in two weeks.

On one hand I really can't wait for him to go (and he is ready to leave too) we bicker constantly, he is so messy, he is argumentative.. he's a royal pain in the bum!

On the other hand, he is my baby boy (he always will be), I love him to death, I'm fiercely protective over him, he is venturing out on his own without me by his side!

We have done most of his university shopping and got him the things on the kits list, got him some sensible shoes etc etc and as the days go by the more the reality that it is going to happen sets in. We have said all his life that he will go to university and we're not expecting him to come home after that. I just don't understand my feelings, I should be proud, I am proud that my and hubby that we have brought him up so well, he is going off to do what he wants to do in the university of his choice.. why do I feel a bit lost in all of this? I almost feel like I miss him already!

I want to be strong for him, but inside I am saying "eeek"

Its a huge step when they officially "leave home" for the first time, especially as he's an only child. Don't underestimate the emotions involved, of course you will miss him, of course you don't want to wave him off - it's only natural.

But it's what he wants to do, and it's wonderful that you have brought up a child who has achieved this level of independence.

I'm afraid I have no real advice on how to cope - when my eldest went off to Uni my youngest was still at home, and still is several years later (goes to Uni literally up the road!). It was very hard, and in a way still is as he too never really "came home" but try to accept it's just another step in the road. We are in touch via the magic of Facebook, he comes to visit us, we go to visit him.

It IS hard, but you can't turn the clock back and - honestly - would you want to? You've brought him up to get him to this point, and here is. Be proud!

Lots of us in the same position posting on Higher Education