ops

Home sickness, if any, affects students differently, some longer than others. For parents it's different, maybe quieter in the house, much quieter to a point of missing the chatter, noise and commotion. The kids will survive and for those worried parents, don't be. All the schools are very familiar and keen in confronting the issue. It certainly does not help with parents responding in kind with daily sentimental "miss you too and wish you were home". Thanksgiving they'll hem and haw and go back knowing it's only for about 3 weeks. By the end of Christmas break they'll be more eager to return if not excited. By end of Spring break it will be considered a second home. That's the long version. The shorter version barely shows when looked upon by the student from the proper perspective as a non-stop adventure, coupled with a desire to learn and try new things. A positive outlook in all correspondence will be the quickest cure. I know, it's easier said than done, good luck.

GMTplus7

Ops, I think you should have titled your thread Coping with "Empty-Nest Sickness"

mountainhiker

Great podcast, from the public radio station in Tulsa, OK. An interview with Michael Thompson, author of "Raising Cain," discussing his new book: "Homesick and Happy: How Time Away from Parents Can Help a Child Grow."

"Homesick and Happy" | Public Radio Tulsa

The book is focused on sending kids to camp, not boarding school, but the nuggets of wisdom still apply.

Momof7thgrader

I'm having a much tougher time with this than I expected. In the months leading up to September people kept asking me if I was sad and I wasn't. Really. The whole process was exciting and fun with a goal to look forward to - getting her to school with all the logistical preparation that entailed. Well, she's off on her adventure and I want to curl up in a ball and cry. I *almost* let the dog sleep on the bed with me last night...

friendlymom

I definitely have my days too...DD and I always spent a lot of time together doing things we both enjoy so now without her I miss my buddy. I had one of those moments today when I saw that a movie we would want to see together is about to come out. When that feeling hits me I usually check the school website to see what dreck the cafeteria is serving this week, or what they had to say in chapel this morning, or I check out all her happy photos on facebook and I feel better about the whole thing.

wcmom1958

This is my second year as an empty nester, third year as a BS parent, and I've finally made the adjustment. Year one, older child went away as an almost 16 yr old sophomore. I grieved much more than she did and it took a long time to stop wishing she were with me for shopping, movies, watching TV, etc. Year three, two years after older child left, we are closer than ever through phone and vacation visits, and I've finally gotten used to it. Year two, younger brother went away and that was tougher both because he was younger AND because now it was a truly empty nest. In both cases, there was a physical grief that subsided over time. We've reached a new normal where I *GULP* even like the clean house, less laundry and less shopping. My terrible fear of flying has even subsided (out of necessity).

I hope for all of you that you come to feel, as we have, that it is SO worth it. The kids are happy, smart and engaged and our family time together is magical. Yes, there have been bumps in the road, but never a time when we thought they were better off at home. Never.