Feelings after College Graduation

[Anonymous]

I’m extremely proud of my kid but was not prepared for how odd I would feel afterwards. I’m just kind of in a fog today. Got back from grad yesterday. Kid is not at home r/n.

[Anonymous]

I was unprepared for the crushing sadness I felt after the graduation of my oldest kid from college. I had no problem with high school graduation or other milestones, but I burst into tears when he boarded a train headed to the city where his new job was a few days after graduation.

Weeks later, I figured it out. When they go to college, you know they'll (most likely) be home during the next break, but once they are done you don't have a clear idea of when you'll see them next or for how long.

It's been two years and i'm handling it all much better, but I know the feeling OP.

[Anonymous]

They will not always come home to visit - you also need to go visit where they live. Stay in a hotel. Have a few meals. Make that 50% effort.

[Anonymous]

I’m happy for my son. He really bloomed in college and came into his own. He had several job offers and took the one that interested him most in a city a plane ride away. Time will tell how it works out but now is the time in his life to try out somewhere new. I’m excited for him.

[Anonymous]

I understand how OP feels .

Once they get their own apartment, and are living independently…they feel truly gone.
It is much more permanent than college.

Normal, and healthy, I get that. But still hard, if you loved the phase of parenting when your children were home in their beds each night (sigh).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I understand how OP feels .

Once they get their own apartment, and are living independently…they feel truly gone.
It is much more permanent than college.

Normal, and healthy, I get that. But still hard, if you loved the phase of parenting when your children were home in their beds each night (sigh).

+1

[Anonymous]

I feel you OP. Adult children moving away is a rather modern phenomenon. For thousands of years across all cultures people lived in multi-generational households and communities. Today's work culture and career specialization normalized moving out but it has its drawbacks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They will not always come home to visit - you also need to go visit where they live. Stay in a hotel. Have a few meals. Make that 50% effort.

THIS! So many of us had parents that didn't visit even once

[Anonymous]

Also because they will want you to know their adult life. What it's like to live where they are living. It's about making new memories. You both spread your wings. Don't keep it just about childhood, childhood memories, and their childhood home.