It’s beyond true what everyone says about how quickly time flies. One moment you’re in a store, staring at a lengthy dorm checklist, feeling overwhelmed, and the next, you’re in the car, loaded with essentials, your sense of humor, and enough tissues to fill a small lake—because your firstborn is heading off to college!
- Wow. Wow! Wow! This is actually happening. He’s really leaving!
- Packing is a chore, especially when it involves your “little one’s” belongings.
- No, you can’t just take one pair of flip-flops! You need actual shoes, and yes, a nice pair of pants is mandatory.
- Did we forget anything? Seriously? He needs what?! My wallet is crying.
- I refuse to make five trips to Target today. No way!
- There’s the dorm! I can do this. I can handle it!
- Wait, maybe I can’t.
- How did my mom ever manage to leave me here 26 years ago?
- So many stairs! Remind him that stairs aren’t fun after a night of partying.
- And neither are hangovers. Time for another talk about drinking.
- Awww! Look at all these clever kids; they seem so joyful!
- And a bit anxious. A few seem really nervous. Can anyone make eye contact anymore?
- The anxious ones are trailing five steps behind their equally nervous moms.
- Please, Lord, don’t let me be that mom.
- I can’t possibly be old enough to have a child in college. Nope, not happening.
- That girl looks like she’s 12! Is her mom really leaving her here?
- That girl looks like she’s 25. My husband is trying so hard not to stare; it’s hilarious.
- When did shorts become underwear? Stop looking; they’re not your daughters!
- But they could become your future daughter-in-law.
- But not anytime soon. Oh dear God, please let him never have sex!
- Before you go, explain what “no” really means—repeat it until you’re hoarse.
- Note for the future: Consider all-male colleges for the next child.
- Girls in the dorm next door? What?! I’m so stuck in the past.
- The laundry room! His new laundry space (chuckles). One less set of clothes to wash at home!
- I bet he’ll come back with everything looking completely filthy.
- Target, here I come again.
- Met the roommate. He’s super neat and organized (laughs). This can’t end well! But it’s not my concern anymore.
- One toilet. One shower. Four 18-year-old boys. I’m getting queasy.
- Time to stock up on bleach.
- Resist the urge to fold his towels and arrange them nicely. Just resist!
- At least I can make his bed look nice. He lets me. Don’t let him see the tears threatening to fall.
- I want to squeeze him so tight, but there are other students around—he needs to stay “cool.”
- I can’t handle this.
- I met the roommate’s dad, and he looks just as stunned as I am. Our shared glance says it all: “Where did those 18 years go?”
- Ramen, rice, canned soup—safe bets that won’t set the place on fire, right?
- That mattress could use some serious padding, but thankfully it’s in plastic. Eww.
- Hand soap, cherry blossom scent. Will these boys even use this? Another eww.
- Gray. Navy. Gray. Navy. Boys don’t decorate, accessorize, or coordinate. This place looks like a jail cell!
- Can I sneak a peek into some girls’ dorm rooms to “ooh” and “ahh” from the doorway?
- Oh no, he’s just tossing clothes into drawers without folding them. Deep breath. Not my dresser. Not my problem!
- I hear another kid arguing with their parent in the hall. I don’t want to leave on a sour note. Smile and cherish this moment.
- I can’t do this.
- College kids today need so little. Their phones and laptops have replaced alarm clocks, notebooks, and a million other things. Amazing.
- If he claims, “My phone was dead, sorry,” when I call, I’m calling BS.
- Sending him a backup phone battery and extra charging cords.
- Tylenol—check. Cough syrup—check. Bandaids—check. When he gets sick, he’ll be in a tough spot without me. Oh well.
- It’s time to say goodbye!
- I can do this. I can do this. I can do this!
- Embrace him tightly, express your pride and excitement for his new journey, then walk out with confidence. Save the tears for when you’re in the car.
- I did it! I took my child to college without losing it. Cue the tears—happy tears!
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In summary, the journey of dropping off your child at college is filled with a whirlwind of emotions, from joy to anxiety. You navigate through packing, saying goodbye, and adjusting to this new chapter in their life. While it’s a bittersweet moment, it’s also a testament to your child’s growth and independence.