Ridiculous reaction

[swimmer4]

Oh dear! I've just teared up at an advert for KM bread (daughter's first day at uni) which is a startling reaction considering our Year 12 son isn't the warmest of company - of course we'll miss him but I think we're all looking forward to having time away from each other.
Any tips for us over the next year and a half to help ease this big transition in our lives? For him and his 'wet' mother?!!

I don't have a clue what you're on about

Say what?

OP is suddenly emotional about departing teen.
I dunno, I think revel in it. Be proud, be sad, be happy.

Have not seen the kingsmill? advert but you are not wet, just a little soppy!
As for empty nest syndrome I am pretty sure he will be back for reading weeks for home comforts and laundry so I wouldn't worry on that score.
Why don't you
Agree a weekly call or fortnightly skype
Go and do some volunteering if you have time on hands
Take up an evening class or course
Have mad rampant sex all over the furniture
Enjoy dates again if you have been busy getting him through As A levels
But you sound lovely Have some

Sorry not read op properly! Okay try again
Teach him once a week to cook a simple meal for you all
Make him do his laundry once a week
(If he does neither of these at the moment)
Ask him to do one activity you both enjoy once a month over the next eighteen
Start his uni box (stuff he will be taking)
Xxx

As Getting says - start teaching him independent living skills, if you haven't already.
Practical cooking, shopping tips, washing symbols, make him make phone calls (to companies or Drs or offices or banks etc) as there's a lot of that to sort when you go to university, and I think as parents we tend to make lost of drs and dentists appts for them when they are at home.

Give some serious consideration to what he's looking for in a university - if he is happy with his course and accomm., it makes life a lot easier.

Oh, and i'ts great when they go - you can choose peace and quiet or you can choose to chat to them (which he's done a LOT more since he's been at University than he ever did when at home)