Virginia colleges have another week off.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m thrilled to have my only child at home (and they have divorced parents so they split their vacation time). I miss them when they’re gone. However, it’s time to at least loosen the cord and let our kids experience the world on their own terms. There’s something called overparenting and there definitely has been a shift since our parents’ time.

What does feeling sad and missing them have to do with loosening the cord? They don’t know I am sad. I’m super excited for them and their journey (though mine are just incollege, not conquering the world like PP’s kids) but I am a person who has feelings, too.

This. 💯

Anonymous wrote:I’m thrilled to have my only child at home (and they have divorced parents so they split their vacation time). I miss them when they’re gone. However, it’s time to at least loosen the cord and let our kids experience the world on their own terms. There’s something called overparenting and there definitely has been a shift since our parents’ time.

What does feeling sad and missing them have to do with loosening the cord? They don’t know I am sad. I’m super excited for them and their journey (though mine are just incollege, not conquering the world like PP’s kids) but I am a person who has feelings, too.

I’m thrilled to have my only child at home (and they have divorced parents so they split their vacation time). I miss them when they’re gone. However, it’s time to at least loosen the cord and let our kids experience the world on their own terms. There’s something called overparenting and there definitely has been a shift since our parents’ time.

Anonymous wrote:So much anticipation and excitement, and it all went by so quickly. I had gotten used to the quiet house, but after a lively break, I have to adjust all over again.

Anyone else?

Kids heading back next week. I'm with you.

Anonymous wrote:This is a natural progression of the hyper-involved parenting that has been in vogue the last 30 years. Parents cannot let go.

Well, I'm 60 and my parents were not "hyperinvolved" in the 70s and early 80s, yet my even-keeled, stoic mother (who had a career, other kids at home, and elderly parents, so was plenty busy) says she was absolutely miserable when I went away to college.

It's OK to really miss your kids when they're gone. It's also OK to be OK with them leaving. Neither feeling is any reflection on parenting or love for one's kids.

Same. My DCs are delightful company.

Anonymous wrote:I love my kids fiercely, but these posts always make me feel like a black heart. Happy to see them come, and equally happy to return to my clean house and empty nester lifestyle. I get so much joy watching them conquer the world.

😳

This is a natural progression of the hyper-involved parenting that has been in vogue the last 30 years. Parents cannot let go.

Anonymous wrote:I love my kids fiercely, but these posts always make me feel like a black heart. Happy to see them come, and equally happy to return to my clean house and empty nester lifestyle. I get so much joy watching them conquer the world.

Me too. I cannot relate to these posts. I also have a lot of work stress to deal with. Would be nice to “take to my bed” but I have too much to do

Me too, it actually worse than in September when we dropped my youngest off for her freshman year. And, I had actually been enjoying being an empty nester.

It is rough, OP, agreed. Will take a little time to readjust, and likely a few hours with the covers pulled over my head. Then onward!

Yes, OP. I am in the same boat. I got used to the empty and quiet house in the fall. But now I am not happy about doing it again, especially with the cold, short days.

I love my kids fiercely, but these posts always make me feel like a black heart. Happy to see them come, and equally happy to return to my clean house and empty nester lifestyle. I get so much joy watching them conquer the world.

Anonymous wrote:Yep, DH is currently driving mine to the airport and I’ve basically taken to my bed. It’s a gut punch for both of us every time.

If you shrivel at such minimal setback what would come of you when it pours….