This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of The Mobile Shop. All opinions are 100% mine.
I knew this day was coming, but I didn’t think it would arrive so quickly. My oldest daughter, Olivia, is at university in Southern Ontario studying Health Sciences. I swear it seems like yesterday that I was sending her off to junior kindergarten. I’m missing her so much already and she’s only been gone a few days!
Don’t get me wrong, I’m proud of her accomplishments. She excelled in high school and I have no doubt she will do the same in university. She’s a smart girl and will do just fine. Me, on the other hand, I’m not so sure. She’s an 8 hour drive from home so it’s not like I can just hop in the car for a quick visit. I’ll be crossing off the days until she is home at Thanksgiving.
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I’ve been chatting with friends who have had a child leave the nest to talk about how they coped. I’m armed with some great tips to put into practice.
1. Stay in contact. Thank goodness for mobile phones! It’s easy to stay connected through texts, emails, social media and of course, the traditional phone call. I’m glad we have a good plan. I recommend visiting The Mobile Shop to check out their latest mobile phones and plans to ensure you and your child going away have the right one to manage all your needs. It’s great because you can stop in while you are doing your groceries and compare a variety of phones and plans in one convenient location. While you are there, make sure you check out PC mobile and their PC mobile Flex plans. I like them because you are in control of your monthly bill and can track your usage throughout the month. As an added bonus, you’ll earn PC points, too.
2. Keep busy. Nothing makes time move slower when you are just sitting around with nothing to do. Pick up a new hobby or do something you have been meaning to do when you have more time. I’m a voracious reader and have been plowing through my book shelf at the rate of a new book every other day. Reading is something I love to do and it feels nice to be able to dedicate more time doing it.
3. Take care of yourself. Self-care is important. Treat yourself for a massage or a visit to the local day spa for a facial or pedicure. You’ll feel more relaxed and at ease. I’ve been putting off going for a massage for too long and am making an appointment this week to go.
4. Clean and organize your home. I always feel better when things are neat and organized. I’m in the process of decluttering my home and it feels great! Plus, the process will keep you busy and your mind focused on the task at hand.
5. Visit local family and friends. I’m looking forward to spending time with family and friends that I haven’t seen in a while. I invited my friend from high school over to make soaps and sugar scrubs. We always say we’ll get together soon and it never happens. Make a point of reaching out to people you love, but have been too busy to visit with.
Growing up is a part of life and our kids don’t stay young forever. I know that I will adjust to my “new” normal, but it’s going to take some time. Thankfully, I have a great support system to help me out.
What are some of the ways you coped with your child leaving for school?
Chalen Myles-Albert says
Oh i feel for you Stacie! My daughter took a co-op position in Toronto last summer. Only 5 hours away and only 2 months, but i cried every time she left and every time she came for the weekend. It got to the point where she laughed and said if i didn’t stop crying she wouldn’t come home any more lol. BRAT! She’s 31 and i’ve only been married 8 years, so for all those years before it was her and I. As proud as i was it was tough to watch her go. I guess the best we can do is teach them right, give them the tools they need and let them go sadly! She loved TO so much her life’s goal is to move there and i can’t process that, but will have to! Chin up!
Tiff says
i can relate with you!! :'(
Laurie P says
I had a hard time when my baby brother went off to University, I’ll be a mess when my boy goes….
Elizabeth Matthiesen says
3 of my children went to university in MB, one of them went to college in AB too, 3 went to Uni in England, one also went to college here in AB. It was tough when we had to move back to Germany, I didn’t want to and cried and then to leave 3 of my kids in Canada, more tears. Then from Germany 3 went to study in England one after the other. One of them now teaches in England, another is an associate professor now in Germany after having lived in Australia for about 5 yrs. It’s sad when they go but with the younger ones at home it kept me busy. All of my 7 are now adults, the youngest is a nurse in Germany and is 25 yrs old already, my oldest is 40. Of course they are really still my babies 🙂
Rosanne Robinson says
When our daughter went off to university it was really hard at first but we kept busy with work, socializing with our friends & family. It was a 5 hour drive to the city she was living in, so we went to see her every other month and that helped to put my mind at ease.
Amie says
Aw that is great ! , you must be so proud , its got to be so hard though , I do love technology for this reason ! Keeping in touch is so important , moms will worry anyhow so this just helps ! I know its going to happen to me someday soon and it already is to hard to think about ! Great tips ! And congrats to !
Elizabeth Vlug says
I feel for you. Those first few months are hard. Staying in contact is key. (without becoming a nuisance too. lol) Harder on parents than the kids. I loved sending care packages from home. And I looked forward to all those holidays when I knew they would be home.
Julie Wood says
When my son left, I was sad because we did a lot of fun things together. His Father died when he was young so I had to step up and take care of him. We formed a very close bond, but we keep in touch! I talk to him all the time! It makes me feel better hearing his voice.
Judy Cowan says
Great tips, it is definitely a big transition when they leave for University. Hope Olivia has a great year!
Julie says
This is coming all too soon for me and I am dreading it…I can’t believe how fast time flies!