When Back To School Becomes Off To College

The “Most Wonderful Time Of The Year” back to school commercial has always been one of my favorites. I am the mean Mom who usually taunts my kids by singing that song as they are grumbling about the dwindling days of summer. They looooove me for it.

This year is different. I honestly haven’t given “back to school” much thought yet. I’m completely pre-occupied by “off to college.”

The past school year was full of “lasts” for Jimmy. Last homecoming, last football game, last wrestling match, last day as a “child,” last prom, last day of high school, last trip with high school friends. Each last made me sad.

Soon there will be lots of exciting firsts for Jimmy. First night with a roommate, first time in the all-you-can-eat dining hall, first college lecture hall, first frat party, first time putting quarters in a washing machine. And that makes me happy(except maybe the frat party).

There will also be firsts for me. First night not being able to say goodnight, first time having an empty bedroom in the house, first time saying “party of 5” in a restaurant, first time not needing the 3rd row of seats in the car… I realize it’s not actually the “first” time for those things, but they were the exception.  Now they will be the norm.  And that makes me sad.

As the “to buy” list gets smaller and smaller, I feel like the “makes me cry” list gets larger and larger.

You know it’s getting really bad when a song called “Ain’t It Fun” brings me to tears every time it is on the radio.

“Ain’t it fun living in the real world
Ain’t it good being all alone
Ain’t it good to be on your own…
Don’t go crying to your mama ’cause you’re on your own in the real world.”

I’m trying a new technique to help with my separation anxiety – chunking time.  Instead of thinking about Jimmy being at college until next May, I will only let myself think about how long until I see him next.

  • 6 weeks until parents’ weekend.
  • Then 2 weeks until fall break.
  • Then 5 1/2 weeks until Thanksgiving break.
  • Then 2 1/2 weeks later, winter break will bring him home for 3 1/2 weeks!
  • Then 9 1/2 weeks until spring break.
  • Finally, less than 6 weeks until he’s home for summer!  That will be my new “Most Wonderful Time of the Year!”

See?  Nothing but single digits!  Piece of cake, right?? Wrong. But it is helping.  A little (said while a tear is running down my cheek…).

It’s still going to take everything in me not to burst into a big old ugly cry right in front of his new dorm-mates.  But I’m determined to give him a hug, tell him how proud I am and how much I love him with a smile on my face*.  And leave him to his firsts.  And unfortunately me to mine.

*All bets are off on the car ride home.


To read about some great memories Jimmy and I had during a weekend trip, read What Happens In Greensboro Stays in Greensboro.


GIVEAWAY

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Great back to school ideas for parents. Must read!

Good luck!

Giveaway is live Tuesday, August 5, 2014 until midnight on August 22, 2014. US and Canada residents only (excluding Quebec). Three winners will be randomly chosen and notified via email. Momopolize received no compensation for sponsoring this event, and is not responsible for the delivery of the prize. Prize delivery is the sole responsibility of Boogie Wipes.

6 thoughts on “When Back To School Becomes Off To College”

  1. Angela thanks for making me cry!! Lol! My oldest will be in 10th grade this year and I can hear the ticking of the clock. I just want to know how does it all go by so fast!!!! I’m gong to do my best to enjoy and remember this time and not rush it with my choruses of, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” too!! xox

  2. I can’t imagine. I mean, I have a 19-year-old son, but after one failed semester at community college, it’s all he can do to get to work on time. Underneath my slight jealousy for parents of normal children, I can kind of see where it would be difficult to let them go. Even with chunks of time. That has to be really hard as a mom. You’ve done well if he’s off to school, you handle this too! And now we have mobile phones, social media and Skype! Yeah, I know, just trying to help 😉

  3. I can’t imagine. I mean, I have a 19-year-old son, but after one failed semester at community college, it’s all he can do to get to work on time. Underneath my slight jealousy for parents of normal children, I can kind of see where it would be difficult to let them go. Even with chunks of time. That has to be really hard as a mom. You’ve done well if he’s off to school, you can handle this too! And now we have mobile phones, social media and Skype! Yeah, I know, just trying to help 😉

  4. Oh Angela! I’m a year behind you and already a basket case! Cried all the way through this because I am now in, as you called it , “the year of lasts”. I am dreading him leaving. It physically hurts. Maybe by the time our last one leaves we’ll finally be ready? That said, this is the only time of my life that I have ever thought it would be nice to have a 3rd..or a 4th. (or 5th) maybe by the time the last one left in that scenario I’d be too old to care. 😉
    Great post.

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