Did not cry with my oldest. The asshat husband pulled off while we were hugging. The second and youngest child would have brought on a bucket of tears but the college cautioned the parents (during parents only meeting) to not add to the drama of the day by crying. I am glad I waited until I returned home to unload emotionally.

Anonymous wrote:My mom didn't care when I left either. It sucked because I felt pretty bad about it and other kids and parents noticed and their sympathy made it worse.

Call your kid and tell her you miss her even if you are sort of lying. I promise - it makes a difference.

I don't think anyone is saying they don't care and I highly doubt all those other parents were scrutinizing you and yours. They had other things to focus on.

I just dropped off child #1 for the first time and feel great about it. Like OP, no tears. The stress level in our house has gone way down already.

Honestly, I didn't see tears with the other parents either. is it possible thats just a myth?

I was thrilled when my first left for college, for all the reasons others have stated. I was more ambivalent when number two left last week -- he was a PITA this summer and things are much less turbulent with him gone, and he's at a great school. At the same time, his departure is a reminder that I'm getting older and my children are leaving to become independent.

I still have one more at home in HS. I have a feeling I may be a mess when it's her turn to leave. I'm preparing now by trying to look for interests and goals outside of my children. I realize DH and I have spent so much time on our kids that we're sort of at a loss for what else to focus on. I think this is a temporary problem, though. It will be fun to have more freedom! In the meantime DC3 still needs us, so can't switch into empty nester mode just yet.

Anonymous wrote:I haven't cried. Only child and I am single. I'm actually feeling liberated, and DC is at a great school. So life is good!

Same here. Single mom who just dropped her only child off at college. After living so sacrificially and putting someone else first for so long, it feels VERY liberating. I actually feel like a single young woman instead of someone's mom. It also helps that DC is at college--also a good school--and in an environment where he's being productive and thriving. Isn't college the ideal goal for our kids? Well, I've accomplished that and now have time to focus on MY goals.

Everyone thought I'd be heartbroken. Nope! I'm already enjoying not having to cook if I don't want to, no worrying about teachers and homework, rushing home in rush hour traffic to attend games and school functions. I love my child, but what's to miss?