I love this article. I have one daughter who will be heading off to Uni in September so full on empty nest for us ! I’ve started to put together a list of things I want to do (learn to play the piano, a pottery course) so I can start planning. I agree Sunday nights will be the hardest as this is always our family time.
I’ve got 4 too and I found dropping the youngest at the train station on Sunday night the hardest. I always had a few tears when I’d managed the others well. Maybe he was the baby, maybe because that part of my life really really was over and I had no more children that would go through that. It’s a job well done but no one tells you how soon it’s over
I'm a mum of 4. My eldest went to High school here in la belle France and stayed away in the week. He was 15.
It was a bit like a warm up act for our separation. He was home each weekend and holiday but independent from me in the week.
His Sister is doing the same now 5 years on. She boards too, all week.
The same bag of dirty washing returns to be processed and the ritual of collection and drop off separation means I find Mondays a little lonely.
I wander past their rooms in the evening saying goodnight and turning off appliances and lights, whispering good night in case they are asleep only to remember they aren't all there and I move on the next room. Tea in the evening is one less plate, 2 less plates, more food for the leftover collection in the freezer as I portion control for them all out of habit.
My youngest went to secondary school this year. Gone from 0730- 1730. Coming home a bit more grown up every day.
I'm not sure I will enjoy this any more with no 4 than when the first tears that fell 5 years ago. The time that has passed in my devotion to the joyous explosions of mischief and laughter I grew has me hooked on being their Mum.
I love this too. Reading the suggestions has given me ideas and optimism to counter the dread I’m currently feeling as my daughter, our eldest, prepares for Uni this Sept. I know I will miss her like crazy - we’re close. But it’s going to happen, it’s the next stage. And the thought of new activities, new connections and the list of lovely things especially Sunday night ones, is exciting. Thank you Lorraine
Love this too. Eldest one of 3 girls going off to Uni in September (or maybe a gap year not quite sure yet) but have friends who have been through this and know how hard it has hit them. I’m not good with change and struggled when she started secondary school so goodness knows what I’ll be like come end of the summer 😭
I love this article. I have one daughter who will be heading off to Uni in September so full on empty nest for us ! I’ve started to put together a list of things I want to do (learn to play the piano, a pottery course) so I can start planning. I agree Sunday nights will be the hardest as this is always our family time.
I’ve got 4 too and I found dropping the youngest at the train station on Sunday night the hardest. I always had a few tears when I’d managed the others well. Maybe he was the baby, maybe because that part of my life really really was over and I had no more children that would go through that. It’s a job well done but no one tells you how soon it’s over
The baby one is the one I am dreading most !
Absobloody love this Lorraine. I think you’ll touch a thousand and some heartstrings - life lessons we’ve never been taught. Keep going 😘
I'm a mum of 4. My eldest went to High school here in la belle France and stayed away in the week. He was 15.
It was a bit like a warm up act for our separation. He was home each weekend and holiday but independent from me in the week.
His Sister is doing the same now 5 years on. She boards too, all week.
The same bag of dirty washing returns to be processed and the ritual of collection and drop off separation means I find Mondays a little lonely.
I wander past their rooms in the evening saying goodnight and turning off appliances and lights, whispering good night in case they are asleep only to remember they aren't all there and I move on the next room. Tea in the evening is one less plate, 2 less plates, more food for the leftover collection in the freezer as I portion control for them all out of habit.
My youngest went to secondary school this year. Gone from 0730- 1730. Coming home a bit more grown up every day.
I'm not sure I will enjoy this any more with no 4 than when the first tears that fell 5 years ago. The time that has passed in my devotion to the joyous explosions of mischief and laughter I grew has me hooked on being their Mum.
Good luck x
Poignant x
I love this too. Reading the suggestions has given me ideas and optimism to counter the dread I’m currently feeling as my daughter, our eldest, prepares for Uni this Sept. I know I will miss her like crazy - we’re close. But it’s going to happen, it’s the next stage. And the thought of new activities, new connections and the list of lovely things especially Sunday night ones, is exciting. Thank you Lorraine
Glad it resonated. They do come back ALOT though FYI x
Love this too. Eldest one of 3 girls going off to Uni in September (or maybe a gap year not quite sure yet) but have friends who have been through this and know how hard it has hit them. I’m not good with change and struggled when she started secondary school so goodness knows what I’ll be like come end of the summer 😭
You need a plan!!! But I think it is ok to feel sad about these things and gently move on.