NANA SAYS IT IS HARD HAVING CHILDREN AWAY AT SCHOOL

Your big children go away to university or college. You think you are cool but you really miss them. It is a wake up call that life is changing and the empty nest is around the corner. It is more emotional than anticipated. Wanting to give space but also wanting to know everyone is okay. No longer able to supervise everyday and get a handle on the activities or you think you did! The groundwork done in the early years does pay off with older children. Often it is the friends and peer pressure that prevails. So hoping your children have good supports around them. Weekends home are whirl wind visits, often ending with drives back to the campus. Or if lucky you can get a student pass on the train! Separation anxiety can go both ways. It may not be hip to admit one misses home so make sure favourite foods are available for those visits with those university and college kids. The cost to famililes is twice the cost for those living at home. Talk to other parents going through the same process. Don't be surprised at their emotions too.