Empty Nest Moms

Empty Nest Moms AND Dads! => Our Empty Nest => Topic started by: littleone on October 23, 2018, 04:48:06 AM

Title: Mixed feelings about my son's college
Post by: littleone on October 23, 2018, 04:48:06 AM
Our son received homeschooling until recently, so I was very surprised when he said he wanted to go to college. I'm happy and proud of him for challenging himself, but my feelings soon grow more into worry and fear. Will he be okay? Are we going to be okay, not directly supporting his education anymore?
Have you ever been there?
Title: Re: Mixed feelings about my son's college
Post by: Layla on October 23, 2018, 05:57:02 AM
I think it's great that your son is stepping outside his comfort zone.  Even if he hasn't expressed them, I bet he has some anxieties and fears, too.

I think the best thing you can do is just be there for him. Let him know that you are always there for him to talk to, to come to with problems, anxieties, and concerns. I know it's scary, but we have to trust that our children will be okay in the world. Even though my daughter wasn't homschooled, I definitely worry about her at college - I think it's just a natural part of being a parent. Hang in there, and know that you are not alone
Title: Re: Mixed feelings about my son's college
Post by: littleone on October 24, 2018, 05:08:10 AM
I think it's great that your son is stepping outside his comfort zone.  Even if he hasn't expressed them, I bet he has some anxieties and fears, too.

I think the best thing you can do is just be there for him. Let him know that you are always there for him to talk to, to come to with problems, anxieties, and concerns. I know it's scary, but we have to trust that our children will be okay in the world. Even though my daughter wasn't homschooled, I definitely worry about her at college - I think it's just a natural part of being a parent. Hang in there, and know that you are not alone
I don't know if other parents feel the same way, but my wife and I often feel like we want to do more than that. We understand that there will come a time when he has to do everything on his own, but we tell ourselves "it is not now" repeatedly. That's probably where the anxiety starts; for the first time in our lives, we don't have a choice, and it will only get worse in the future.