My oldest is 6, and just reading your post made me tear up.

I have a HS junior and I am already freaking out about him going away to college!

First, I totally understand how you feel. It is, really, incredible when you get to senior year! I also can't believe your kid already has all apps in and has already heard - is that possible?! I've been through this once and will go through it again with my now Senior. It's amazing how much they grow and change senior year - there's a big leap. I think that's why the college counselors weren't so keen on early decision; they really do change a lot this year. I found it to be a very poignant year; pretty emotional. That said, by graduation time I kind of had gone through it and it became easier to think about it.

Totally normal, OP. You've invested so much time, love and energy to get to this point, but it seems to have come too quickly. I felt the same way last year when my DD went away. However, just remind yourself what you said - you want him to spread his wings! It's actually a very fun and exciting time for them.

You'll have your moments when you get sad, but then you'll get busy with your other kids/life/work and the moment will pass. Remind yourself how much fun and excitement you felt when you left for college or left home for the first time. You were both nervous and excited. That's how he is feeling. But also remember how happy and excited you were to come home for the weekend or holidays. That's also how your DS will feel too.

Also, in this day and age with technology it's so easy to stay as connected as you and your DS wish. Gone are the days of the weekly, quick long distance phone call home. A quick text can make you feel the separation a little less and a brief FaceTime is great!

Good luck and trust me - it will feel tough in the beginning, but then you will understand a new reality.

Can't fence time

Been there exactly. (Well I managed to hold off the meltdown until we got home after dropping him off at college.)

Totally normal.

With all the applications in and a few acceptances already back it just suddenly all hit me today that my oldest is going to gone next year. I have been so excited for him and have had fun going through the college process with him - it is so different from when I did it. I want him to spread his wings. To grow and learn and fail and overcome and I am really truly am happy for this phase of his life but seriously it just hit me. My baby is going to be away most of the year and on his own and this is an absurd notion because he was just 7 years old three days ago, I swear.

Complete meltdown.

I wouldn't tell him this ever and I am sure I'll be excited again and blubber about it again. I just wanted to see if anyone else is feeling this way with their soon to be adult teen.

My grandma used to tease us and say "You are getting too big! I am going to tie a brick on your head so you stop growing."

I totally should have done that. Maybe my 9 year old will let me...