Yup. It's normal to want to be protective and hover. My younger son (age 30) will be moving to Chicago in February (foolish boy). I know I'll miss him a lot, but it's way past time for him to get moving on his own life.
haha.... I have the opposite problem... in fact, I'm up early so I can go get my 32 year old daughter to take her to cosmetology school (her car has a dead battery and somehow there is NO-ONE else who can help her !!)
Oh well, at least she is in school now and will hopefully start becoming self-sufficient - it's about time, don't ya think ???!!!
well I am so very proud of my daughter she is graduating high school this year really at a young age because I swear her last birthday she was only 13 or so, and the state has decided to let her drive at this tender age too, amazing kid.
No I won't have any trouble letting go.
posted by poetdad
about 1 month ago
So there is hope Rocksadie! I'm waiting for my 22 year old daughter to figure out what she wants to do with her life. She is working, but only part time. I only hope it doesn't take her 6 more years.
Poetdad, I hope your daughter keeps her momentum.
DJ I feel for you. I sent my baby girl off to college at 17. I was not ready.
She was, far more so than many of her older classmates. She was fine (Dean's List, rowed crew all four years, did volunteer work and part time work during the school year and full time work every summer.)
Sometimes I think she was more mature in Kindergarten than some of the other college "kids".
Both of my children are totally self sufficient and even talk about helping me out in my "old age" (whatever that is) if I should need it. I am very proud of them and all their accomplishments...and none of it would have been possible if I hadn't learned to "let go". Be brave DJ!
Hey! I have an idea. If you get real lonely I can send Amber to stay for a few months! Great idea for a business....."The Rent a Kid Foundation"! Lonely grandparents, empty nest parents; yep, I see a market.....Amber can pay for her own cruises! Maybe some of you with older kids you are trying assist out of the nest can join? I can see the ads now......."Happy Face Youngster to brighten your days! Or do you prefer a sullen teenager to remind you of yours that have moved on? We are here to serve! Call 1-800-RENTAKID and head for the airport; your temporary darling is on her or his way!"
(prolly should discuss with Barbara before I Incorporate.....I know Amber won't mind; she is friendly!}
DJ..wow, this post really struck home...I still miss my daughter, but am overjoyed that she is thriving...we talk more now than we ever did when she was home..but, she is on her own path and is so happy...you are right, it is harder for us than for them...give yourself time to adjust...it's okay...my daughter thought it was amusing that I called so much, but I knew she was happy I did...so, go ahead - be a dad who is so proud of his son, but needs a little more time to get used to it...because the truth is we never really let go...we just need release the grip a little...keep posting..we wise squirrels will help you through it :-)
I let go and they still live within 1-7 miles from me.
DJ, What a great accomplishment for your son. My daughter entered college as a Sophomore having tested out of her Freshman year. I was so proud of her. It was hard letting her go off to college all by herself, but she was so mature and self sufficient. The best thing of all was that she was smart enough to know she could call her father and me anytime she needed help. Your son will be fine and he knows you're there for him. Congratulations on doing such a great job of raising your son.
awww dj, this is such a sweet sweet post! being a mom of two grown and "on-their-own daughters, i can relate to how you are feeling. but on the other hand you've got to be so proud of your son, and that is something wonderful to cherish. think of the other side of the coin. what if he had never graduated from high school. what if he was on drugs. or lazy. or been arrested for whatever. what if he couldn't work, didn't work, and lived with you 24/7, and brought home all his lazy good for nothing friends to free load.... now i'm really getting carried away here, sorry. but please, you just bask in the wonderful awesome person he's become, and be a proud parent, and realize that you were no small part of his upbringing to get him to this successful point in his life. and yes, as mentioned earlier here, if you want to call him, call him. don't worry, he'll let you know one way or the other if you've over stepped your bounds as a parent. now then, are you dialing the phone?
