It's 1:25 am and I am wide awake thinking back to this time last year when my youngest was on his own in College for the first year.

It seems like it was no big deal but I remember being awake and worried sick about him.  He was only

17, a High School grad and away at College.  College, wow time just flew by.

I remember when he was looking at colleges and I was so exited, pushing him onward and out of the house but then he wanted to go.  Then it hit me like a brick, my baby boy was leaving me.  I would not be able to protect him, give him advise (otherwise known as orders), or make sure he was home and ok.  My oldest was still home so I had not gone through the separation anxiety that comes with your kids leaving home, so we fought.  Ben fought for his right as an Ad ult and I fought for my right as the mother of that little boy who always seemed to be where he wasn't supposed to be.

Looking back on it now Ben did a good job.  He won his right to be an adult and he still comes to mom for advise (not orders though).

All I can say to any mother who is looking at their first (or last) child going off to college and being on their own for the first time is:

1. treat them as an adult and let them make the decisions

2. worry less about them and more about yourself making mistakes

3. trust in their upbringing, they will prove to be great kids on their own

4. they always come home even if for only the weekend

5. they always need you for something (even if it is just money)

Best of luck to all mothers and fathers looking at this separation for the first time.  Trust it will happen with every child you have.  LOL