Yes, that day has come and your son or daughter is finally off to college, now comes the empty nest syndrome---NOT!! Your work isn't done yet, you (and them) just think it is. Don't get too depressed, there is a lot more coming your way, just because you don't see them sleeping in their bed doesn't mean that they aren't still there.
The child may be gone, but the spirit remains. The filling 'care packages', becomes a weekly occurrence, the trips they make home brings dirty wash, and then there is the lack of storage space at school which means constantly replenishing their wardrobe. No, your work isn't done and believe me, THEY are not gone!
Some moms go into a depression, their 'baby' is gone; all grown up and doesn't need them any more. Well mom, get over it, it ain't going to happen!
Now you have to do all of your mothering long distance, believe me, it is a challenge. They still need you to remind them to wash their clothes, change their sheets, send food packages so the little darlings don't starve to death and be concerned, loving and hover over them as usual. By the way, boys are to be included in this. True, they are growing up, but they aren't there yet. They still need guidance, caring, suggestions, alternatives and common sense from someone that loves them.
The first gift to give them, is extended phone service or text messaging, they will need it. Then, fill up a locker of food to have them eat for those late night study sessions. You did make sure they have a microwave, right?
Purchase a shoe organizer that hangs on a door and fill each pocket with a necessity that they are not going to think about. Things like; clothes soap, dry bleach, furniture polish, dust cloth, window cleaner, plastic spoons, napkin and tissue packs, forks and knives, plastic cups or glasses, pens, hammer, screwdriver and wrench, nail and screws assortment, stapler, rubber bands, stamps with addressed envelopes or postcards and the list goes on. This will be their most priceless possession for the first three weeks. See? Mom strikes again!!
I bet, they have thought of all of the bathroom things they will need-or have they. Did they pack the aspirin, allergy pills, nasal spray, band-aids, moisturizer for dry skin or the Vicks and Carmex? Well, they will have it hid somewhere in all of their junk, because good old mom is coming to the rescue. It is really pretty hard for them to forget you, when you are everywhere that they look!
Of course, it is always nice to have an extra five-dollar bill hid in their jacket or jean pocket (to be found much later) with a little note from mom, that simply says 'Surprise!' Or the letter that has a few dollars in it, just because you love them and the 'case' of popcorn that shows up in the mail. As usual, you are still always there when they need you.
Now you will have something to do while they are away at school, but soon the inevitable happens and they come home to visit! Now your work really begins, dirty clothes, home cooked meals, boxes of food to take back to school, repair the holes in the clothes and broken zippers and just think---you thought you weren't needed anymore!
Isn't sending your kids off to college to be on their own wonderful?
Jan is a Professional Organizer that gives you tips and hints to organize your life and make it manageable. Go to Organizing Your Life THE EASY WAY for free checklists and pamphlets on organizing and cleaning tips and hints. |
