Community Corner

Moms Talk: Are You Ready to Send that Kid to College?

A thousand feelings may accompany the departure of a child leaving home, especially when it's the first time.

Last weekend, I spent some time with a friend whose daughter is heading off to college, after graduating this June from a nearby high school. A happy time, in many ways, but undoubtedly more than a bit nerve-wracking for both.

Having never lived in a dorm, (although I did live in an apartment about a half-hour from my home base for a good portion of my time in college) I really can't say too much of what it feels like from the student's point of view.

Nevertheless, I remember sending off my first son to college, in Charleston, S.C., following his graduation from in 2007. I was happy for him, but we were both on edge.

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My friend (and I) were worrying about our offspring, but the college-students-to-be seemed unconcerned. Or were they?

Students — what are you really thinking?

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When I left my son behind — and Charleston is a pretty far hike from New Jersey — I had a feeling I might never see him again! Of course I did, and had many enjoyable visits leading up to a final graduation trip.

As a note, at first he acted like he didn't care as much if I showed up, with his brother in tow. But later on, he was more openly happy to see us. (Hey, we provided some free meals out, and always threw in a few more percs, too!)

And will it be harder/easier when, presumably, that baby in the family leaves the nest?

If you're packing up — something that got more routine for us in following years — do you feel you are providing your student with what they need?

Are you planning on touching base all the time? Or trying to leave them some space?

And for those whose students may be heading off to college locally, even while remaining at home for now, do you still feel they are crossing a bridge into adulthood?

Please let us know what you're thinking at this time of year? And students...will you kind of miss your family?

P.S. BTW, that student who went off to college. He's baaaack. But that's a whole other topic.


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