He's Leaving Home...Bye Bye - Page 2

[MilkTrance]

Originally Posted by rhubarbarin

I think this is just silly. Plenty of people I know left home or went to college at 17. Does one year make them capable of responsibility in your eyes? Do you think kids who are bright and move through school more quickly should be held back until they are 18 and therefore ready to do things on their own? Come on now.

ITA. I moved out when I was 18.

[crunchymomofmany]

Thank you all so much! You are so sweet! It was strange to see my baby head through security and wait at the gate - like the grown-up I know he is becoming. He called me from Charlotte and then when he got into Austin.

I've heard great things about Austin and so I know he'll have a blast.

He started looking for a job before he left and brought his insurance agency clothes with him (he actually worked at an insurance agency for a while before he left) - so I know he's got big plans. It just feels strange to know I will only, now, know about him what he chooses to tell me - no finding things out on my own - or hearing about them in town, if he doesn't tell me!

But I can't wait to visit him - I'll be happy to leave snowy Vermont in Feb. or March!

[crunchymomofmany]

Originally Posted by alima

In the culture I come from, 18 and still unmarried and/or living at home means there's something wrong with you 16 is pretty average for leaving the nest. Both my brothers were out of the house by 15, both put themselves through college and both are now highly responsible professionals. I left home at 16, and most of my friends left around the same age. It's not completely unheard of

: And thank you for this! I was ready to leave at 16 also, but my parents wouldn't let me graduate early - even though I qualified. Those last two years were hell on everyone. I was awful - I just didn't see the point of putting everyone through something like that if he was ready to go and had a plan!

[2goingon2]

I had the Beatles' tune "She's leaving home" in my head when I read the thread title.

I can't imagine how hard that must be for you. There's no stopping time and the fact that our children grow up and you are lucky for being able to witness his growth and change. And Austin - wow - what a great place to be. Keep your chin up and pop back in and give us updates once in awhile on his exciting life in Austin!

[panamama]

awww mama!!!

my DS (also 16) just came to me today and told me he'd like to move far away too. i fought tears through the convo and we talked about a plan to get him there b/c i fully support his desire/decision, but i imagine i'll be a wreck when it actually comes to fruition. i'll re-gift to you what a GF said to me when i told her about my DS wanting to leave:

"just know that if he wants to do this, and is ready, that you raised him with a sense of adventure and open-mindedness, and that you done good, girl. he will be fine. and know that as much as you'll miss him, he'll be using everything you taught him, and learning more with every day....and isn't that what we all want for our kids?"

[MarineWife]

Mama. I just went through something like this recently. My 16yo ds moved to his dad's (which was essentially like moving out on his own). It was so hard for me. I felt like it was too soon but I knew I needed to let him go. I cried almost every day for about 2 months.

It sounds like your ds is a mature, responsible guy. It will be fun and exciting to see him become an independent adult.

[mamaley]

: Your blog really touched me. My oldest is only 8, but the feelings of "did he always feel loved", etc...just hit home.
What a wonderful place for him to be...Austin is a great place to find yourself. Best wishes to him, and you.

[Bad Horse]

Originally Posted by panamama

awww mama!!!

my DS (also 16) just came to me today and told me he'd like to move far away too. i fought tears through the convo and we talked about a plan to get him there b/c i fully support his desire/decision, but i imagine i'll be a wreck when it actually comes to fruition. i'll re-gift to you what a GF said to me when i told her about my DS wanting to leave:

"just know that if he wants to do this, and is ready, that you raised him with a sense of adventure and open-mindedness, and that you done good, girl. he will be fine. and know that as much as you'll miss him, he'll be using everything you taught him, and learning more with every day....and isn't that what we all want for our kids?"

Oh, your friend's words totally made me *sniff* tear up a little. She's absolutely right.

I still have a few years yet, but I know that day will be here before I know it.

[BedHead]

*sniff* My 16 yo ds moved to my parents last week. He's the first to leave home and there's so many feelings involved.

Your son sounds like a great kid and I am sure he will do you proud!