First kid is leaving home. Oh my.

[James Hart]

I waited (not on purpose, just the way it worked out) until 46 for my first and only (wife was 39... we'd been a serious couple for 20 years). The daughter is 8 now... after 2 years of preschool she started the pandemic Kindergarten home schooled and we still are dealing with that. I'm dreading just sending her off to public school in the next couple years... college will be rough!

 

[Westerly Wood]

Still got a 14 and 9 year old at home and I’m 56. My wife is younger so that is awesome!

 

[Stagefright]

Follow your instincts. Never let logic convince you that your child is grown and will not benefit from the wisdom you have to offer. I ignored my inner voice with one child and the results were catastrophic. Give them the speech regardless of circumstances.

 

[walrus]

Yes, open communication is key no matter how old they are. They need to know you are always there if they need you, no matter what.

walrus

 

[James Hart]

Still got a 14 and 9 year old at home and I’m 56. My wife is younger so that is awesome!

Nice! I'm 55 since March. Did you rob the cradle too? I almost didn't ask my wife out because she wasn't quite 21 yet.

 

[Cougar]

This will be quite a day. Rae off to college.....

And the beat goes on!

 

[Westerly Wood]

Nice! I'm 55 since March. Did you rob the cradle too? I almost didn't ask my wife out because she wasn't quite 21 yet.

I started late. My wife was 25, I was 37.

 

[Itamar4256]

and someday you'll me a grandfather, cheer up

 

[MartyG]

My son (unexpectedly) took a year off after high school to do a North American tour (drums) with a Broadway production of Victor Victoria. How a 17 year old got that gig I'll never know. After that he went to a local college (James Madison in VA) for music/percussion, but the world had opened up for him by that time and he decided to try the West Coast/Bay area in his second year. We drove together from Baltimore to San Francisco. (Epic road trip) I left him with the car and whatever we packed in it and flew back home. Finished a degree from the conservatory there and promptly went to work for Apple, then Google. He never looked back and is still out there after 20 years. Married, two kids.

My point is to be prepared for the twists and turns that come along as they enter this phase, and enjoy the ride!

Marty

 

[Balderdash]

This will be quite a day. Rae off to college.

A huge mark of success on your part to have gotten to this moment ! Having navigated through all the challenges that must have been part of getting there. We sent two off; both succeeding and well on their way. Brought to mind how I stumbled and fumbled my way through the transition and college years…, okay, maybe we won’t go there…

 

[Westerly Wood]

A huge mark of success on your part to have gotten to this moment ! Having navigated through all the challenges that must have been part of getting there. We sent two off; both succeeding and well on their way. Brought to mind how I stumbled and fumbled my way through the transition and college years…, okay, maybe we won’t go there…

Oh yeah man. I give the success and praise to God. I stumbled often and have failed along the way more than succeeded. I cannot take the credit. I totally get what you are saying here and appreciate it Balderdash.

 

[Balderdash]

I don’t remember the circumstances, but I clearly recall telling my older daughter once that; “as much as we are teaching them to grow into adults, they are teaching us how to be parents.” It’s not something you just have as a result of growing up, it’s something you have to learn.

 

[HeyMikey]

 

[HeyMikey]

Woody, All I can tell you is that my experience with sending the kids off to college has been a positive one. I’ve been impressed at how they ultimately came out of their childhood cocoons and started to become independent adults. A lot of what they will get the opportunity make decisions about and learn goes way beyond book learning. Enjoy the ride!

 

[Neal]

If you have done your job as a good parent, she knows right from wrong, knows that she is loved, and knows you still have her back if times get tough.

I can‘t tell you how often I helped my two girls move once they left home, but it is well into two digits now!

 

[chazmo]

I can‘t tell you how often I helped my two girls move once they left home, but it is well into two digits now!

Those moving days have been great quality time spent with my younger son, who I have been helping move since he started college 8 years ago. Normally, I don't really see him much unless he pops out here to visit from Boston.

My elder son boomeranged a couple of times (college didn't work out for him) but has been living with me for about 4 years and and honestly it's great to have the company.

 

[adorshki]

Yes, thanks for the reminder, I have two first year classes starting next Tueday.

I hope they come to class at least partially dressed!

walrus

Except for the Rick James wannabes?

 

[Guildedagain]

Rae, born in '86, eventually left home, or rather eventfully ;[]

Has her own now, she's 6.

 

[adorshki]

Rae, born in '86, eventually left home, or rather eventfully.

Has her own now, she's 6.

Picked up on the Hendrix moves early, eh?