It’s been four months since we dropped our son at college, and I get to see him in two days! It’s my son’s first Christmas home from college. I read a poignant article by Mia Freedman, who wrote :
“Being the mother of a son is like someone breaking up with you really slowly.”
Our job, as a mom, is to raise boys into men, and give them tools to successfully grow up and leave to start their own families. Eighteen years goes by in a flash. One minute we are nursing them from the breast, then teaching them how to hold a fork, and then chop sticks, then poof… they have their own credit card and barely eat with us. They slowly but surely grow up and grow away from us. They have a new independence along with less reliance and guidance from me, and a slight impatience for family rules. Our job is to let go. Not all at once, but gradually and gently and with grace.
This phase is new to me. I don’t know how to navigate this and I think it’s even harder than the college drop-off. How do I express my love as I watch you truly growing up preparing to leave my safe nest? I’m comforted by knowing I did it right. This is how it’s supposed to work. I need to figure out how to channel my longing for one more day to walk to the beach, buy you ice-cream and watch it dribble all over your face and hands, then throw you in the bathtub so we can snuggle in your little PJ’s with feet. And read Skateboard Mom for the 1000th time. Cat? Dog? Foster Kids? Who knows.
To be someones entire world is a gift. I know you love me more than life itself, but I also know we need to settle into our new rhythm. At the end of this process, I know I’ll find a kind, charming, smart adult, who brings me great joy and pride.
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I’m a travel and health writer, digital and brand consultant, breast cancer survivor, and supermom to two active boys! I keep it real and share stories of raising teenage boys, family life after a cancer diagnosis, and family travels around the world! Each story is shared with my dry, and sometimes naughty sense of humor.
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Amy | 5th Jan 20
I’m a mom of four sons and boy did this blog make sense to me. Although my daughter is in college and still needs me, my sons spread their wings and flew. It’s difficult to watch them grow, yet amazing at the same time. Thanks for your blog.
Samantha | 5th Jan 20
Four boys! Wow! Agreed, it’s difficult yet so amazing at the same time and I love that my son understands my need to be close, hug him and take care of him and makes me feel special. It’s a new chapter for sure. Happy new year!