How do you let them go away to college?

Julia - posted on 08/21/2009

I don't recommend stocking up on any "things," but maybe start a small, separate savings account and put a tiny bit of money in every month, even if it's $20, so you can easily save up for some fun dorm stuff (as opposed to the necessary stuff) you want to give her but may not be able to find the money for a year from now. Or just so you can give her some bonus cash to start her off. I've been doing this for my son for a number of years--haven't been regular about it--but there's a tidy sum, less than $1000, that I just plan to hand to him as a gift. Or maybe he'll use it for books. Whatever will make the transition easier for him...

Colleen - posted on 08/20/2009

OH MAN!!! You guys made me cry...I still have a year to go until my first born goes to school...

Hay...any ideas on what I should be stocking up on to make this easier on her?

I have two more that will go to school to...never too early to shop right??

Julia - posted on 08/12/2009

By breathing, and remembering that you've done your job. S/he'll make the right choices with or without you there. Eventually.

Carla - posted on 08/12/2009

I just smiled even though I wanted to cry and pray every night that she will remember the things that we taught her growing up. I know that this is a good thing for her and I just have to remind myself of that when the house is quiet and empty instead of her friends and her running in and out!

Kellie - posted on 08/12/2009

My son just moved away to go to college, we are lucky in that it is only a couple hours away. I just go with hoping I raised him to be responsible. I am good with it as long as he is happy, now when he starts having problems it may be a different story.

Cathy - posted on 08/12/2009

When your collegiate child leaves or you leave them at their dorm, don't cry or become dramatic. It is easier on you and on your kid. It took me two months to before I finally stopped getting tearing up every time I walked into his room. Then, he came home for the summer and I have had to do it all over again a week ago. Each of those teary moments was a moment of missing him but also a moment of pride and a moment of accomplishment. My job is not done...I just got a promotion! Yipee!

Robin - posted on 08/11/2009

With a hug and a kiss, some laundry detergent and toothpaste. and the promise not to take over his room (maybe just clean it up a little!).

Kim - posted on 08/11/2009

I wish I knew. My only child is leaving in 3 days. All I know is, she's exactly what I dreamed she would be: caring, smart (both book and street), independant and loving. I want her to stay, but for my own selfish reasons! The best thing I can say is what she told me the other day when we were having our daily morning coffe together: "mom, I cant imagine waking up and not having you there to help me start my day, just sitting and talking first thing in the morning like this..." To me, that was the best compliment anyone could have given me. She cherrishes the small day to day moments just as much as I do.....

Lisa - posted on 08/10/2009

It is hard because you want to hold on and let go at the same time...but you have to let go. Just remember that this is an exciting time for them and they are leaving your home with everything you have taught them and they will carry this with them forever no matter where they are. And you will cry, but you have earned that right! You will be okay.

Rosemary - posted on 08/10/2009

i am losing two this year, i am also hosting one exchange student to help keep me busy. no guarantee this will work but i have to try

Rocio - posted on 08/10/2009

Believing that you did the best you could to raise a well-rounded child with good morals, respect for life and others. After they leave, start redecorating!!!

Sandy - posted on 08/10/2009

Thanks for your advice, I still have a "soon to be" 16yr son at home. I told him he would have to endure twice the kisses, twice the hugs, and twice the love while his brother was away at college.

Jennifer - posted on 08/10/2009

with love. and after you get them settled in, have a glass of your favorite beverage and start planning the next phase of your life. dont think about having something missing, think about all the things you put off to take care of your kids. it is now officially "ME TIME"! they are not leaving u, just trying to get where u r in life!



Good luck!

P.S. ---- you r going to cry, but it is ok!!!!!