What Mom doesn't know... (Part 1)
By Diana B.
@BloggerDi (3121)
United States
May 12, 2017 8:23am CST
I was talking to a friend last night who will have an empty nest soon. You know, meaning that her youngest child will be ready to move out and officially start adulting!
My friend is sort of looking forward to it, but dreads it at the same time.
Our conversation triggered a few thoughts and memories:
I have two adult children. My daughter (youngest) is almost 27 and has two kids of her own. My son is almost 30 and has one child.
I had trouble adjusting when my oldest moved out. I think it was because I knew that his sister was not far behind him, which meant the official end of parenting for me. Of course I was still their mother, but it was the end of being responsible for them. I felt free, but I grieved at the same time.
When each of my kids moved out, I think it was as much of an adjustment for me as it was for them.
To be continued...
7 people like this
6 responses
@BloggerDi (3121)
• United States
12 May 17
Thanks @jaboUK. I understand that to some extent, my youngest stayed with her boyfriend a lot for about a year before she actually moved out, so her leaving wasn't as emotional for me as my son's.
2 people like this
@LovingMyBabies (85923)
• Valdosta, Georgia
12 May 17
I am so not ready for my children to become adults and be on their own. I want them to stay home as long as they want to. =)
3 people like this
@BloggerDi (3121)
• United States
12 May 17
Hi @LovingMyBabies. Thanks for your comment. Even though knew I raised them with to become independent adults, it was still hard to set them free! I guess it's a normal struggle for most moms.
1 person likes this
@Tampa_girl7 (54714)
• United States
4 Jun 17
I only have one child and he has left a few times. He most recently rented a house in the town his university was in. I miss him terribly when he is away. I am happy that he is back home for the summer.
2 people like this
@BloggerDi (3121)
• United States
4 Jun 17
Oh that's great @Tampa_girl7. Enjoy your short time with him!
1 person likes this
@Gabugs (1895)
• United States
13 May 17
@BloggerDi It looks like we are sailing in the same boat. I was beset with sadness when both our sons went away to college. Motherhood may be a harrowing experience at times; but it by far, one of the most beautiful of all experiences. Indeed yes, its a big adjustment for the mother.
2 people like this
@BloggerDi (3121)
• United States
13 May 17
Hi again @Gabugs. Thank you.
After my son moved out, I'd frequently see a TV commercial with a little boy who looked so much like my son did when he was about four. Every time I saw that commercial, I'd think of my little boy and I'd just cry! Haha- it was ridiculous! But I'm not ashamed to admit it that I was quite emotional for about a year.
1 person likes this
@Gabugs (1895)
• United States
13 May 17
@BloggerDi Oh yes, I recall those sad times when I simply couldn't hold back the tears. Now thankfully, we are close to both our sons and their families.
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@responsiveme (22923)
• India
13 May 17
The empty nest syndrome affected me badly
2 people like this
@Slayqueen (918)
• India
12 May 17
Leaving parents and starting a new life somewhere else is really hard.
2 people like this
@BloggerDi (3121)
• United States
12 May 17
Thanks for your comment @Slayqueen. Yes, for many people it sure is!
2 people like this
@Slayqueen (918)
• India
12 May 17
@BloggerDi yes.. it's cool to see the cultural differences between countries. In my country, we don't move out of our parents house. And it's considered normal here.. even if we got a job and living in the same city then also we'll live with our parents..
2 people like this
@BloggerDi (3121)
• United States
13 May 17
@Slayqueen Thanks very much for sharing about what is common for families in your culture. That's one reason I love international sites likes this- learning about the differences and similarities too.
1 person likes this
