How did you feel when your kids left home

Jagraf

I'm generally within the 'age group' where my friends kids are becoming independent / going to uni / moving out. Speaking to them, some are distraught and some can't wait to get their freedom back.

How did you feel or how do you think you will feel / cope / do differently?

ibizafan_2

I must be the worst mother in the world, because I loved having my house to myself! My youngest son was (and still is) one of the most untidy people that I have ever met. It took me 5 hours to clear out his bedroom when he went to university! Luckily, my sons' father lives in the same town, and they always stay at his house when they visit, as he has a much bigger house. They are both in their 30's now and don't live locally. In fact, the youngest now resides in Australia. I am very proud of what they've achieved, and think the world of them, but glad they are independent and love my life as it is now, so perhaps I have done a good job. We talk and Skype frequently.

wiltsguy_2

my two older children have left home and have started thier own families, my youngest is 15 and is working hard to get his grades(predicted 9 A* minimum) and plans to do A level so he can leave home and join the RAF at 18 years of age as an officer-which i fully support him in, not because i want him out, they are always welcome, but he knows the importance of having a career as opposed to a job, that pays extremely well and offers a pension for later on in life.

Jagraf

Independence seems to jump on kids when they get to 16, I think its because everyone else starts treating them as adults so they absorb it hopefully in the right way.

I find myself dreaming of quiet holidays

sheramber

I was pleased to see my children go out to make thier own way in the world with confidence.

Wasn't that what I had nurtured them for for many years/

They know there is always room for them here if needed and thy are always welcome.

Artytarty

I belong to e other ca!
I was totally gutted when they left one by to go to uni because I knew they would not be coming back to N.I.
I felt as if my purpose in life was gone.
It's now five years since the last one left and I've built a new life for myself, interests etc, charity work and so forth but I'd trade it all for the chance to do a "waltons" style G' nite at bedtime!!!

oystercatcher

Circumstances worked out so my three all left within a couple of months of each other, at a time when I couldn't work for health reasons. I became horribly depressed as I felt I'd lost my job as a Mum as well as my paid job.

Scrapaholic

I can fully understand some people dreading their children leaving home . I worked a few hours on a nurse bank so I was home a lot and loved being at home and having the children and husband to care for . DS left home at 23 and now has 2 children . DD left when she was about 25 and now she has 2 children . We're lucky that they both live nearby so we see a fair bit of them . It must be so different if they live miles away or abroad . I think we're lucky that our children have been able to make lives for themselves and are happy . Life changes all the time and this is what's meant to happen , that your children become independent . There are many people who , due to various circumstances, have children who will never live independently . It will be hard for some people I know , but find some interest for yourself, think positively and enjoy life .

silvercar

The lovely thing about the kids going to university is that you are broken in gently to them moving out. So when they come home in the holidays you can enjoy their company and also scream at the mess. It is also good to watch them become more independent and responsible.

headachesrus

I'm experiencing this now. My DD is buying her first house so should be gone soon. I'm excited for her because I remember what it was like when I started out. I will miss her dreadfully but I won't miss her mess! She can enter a room and it's like a hurricane has blown through. She is 21. My son is 22 and showing no signs whatsoever of moving out lol.

thorsoak

I'll be honest: I felt absolutely bereft - when they moved out,one by one - and then, when DD moved to Singapore, and had DGS out there, and then had DGD in Tokyo, I knew that we had done what we set out to do - to give all four of them roots and wings. Now, DS 2 lives on the Isle of Man with his family and 3 girls, DD and her family live in USA; DS 3 lives in the midlands with his partner (soon to be wife), only DS1 lives nearby with his DD.

It comes even harder now - DGS - who won't be 18 until the end of August - will be moving almost 3,000 miles away from HIS family in SepButtember to go to university in Seattle.

You give them roots, you give them wings = and you get heartbreak.

But that's what's supposed to happen. So, I wipe my eyes, blow my nose, give them all a kiss, and say "bye - see you soon - safe journey" - and turn my back so they don't see the tears flow.