<p>My twin and I leave for college August 13th...the University is 50 miles from home.</p>
<p>My mom has (as you know) had a very rough time with it the last couple of years... EVERY holiday she would cry this year. At graduation she (and us included) were basket cases.</p>
<p>We have a month and 2 days I guess until we will be moving. And my question is this: What would make this easier on all of us? Because I know she will be really emotional that day (our doctor is going to be getting her some drugs I think). And seing her emotional, tends to get us emotional. And I really just want to be excited and thrilled for myself. I do not want her to go into a nervous breakdown after leaving....and by the way she reacted to our graduation and everything, I wouldn't jynx it.</p>
<p>Would writing a letter to her help or would it make things worse? Any ideas that might be helpful?</p>
<p>First of all, 50 miles away is pretty darn close, less than an hour by car, right?</p>
<p>I'm gathering that the life change is more the issue for your mom than the distance, though. Are you and your twin the youngest (or only) children still living at home?</p>
<p>You sound prepared for what might happen, and she probably is too, but it might be very hard. Just try to deal with it as best you can, and maybe plan your goodbyes for a private spot without new hallmates around. This is probably the moment she's been dreading for years. Email and cell phones help a lot. You sound excited about school, which is great. For a parent to know that their children are happy, wherever they are, is a wonderful feeling, and I'm sure that will be a comfort to her. Your writing her a letter is a wonderful idea, though I would choose care in the timing of when to give it to her. You know her best.</p>
<p>Doubtless there will soon be other posts on CC from parents having a tough time with 'goodbye.' It might help to have her read them, or even post her own thoughts. It's a pretty supportive forum. </p>
<p>Also, on a lighter note - tell her that I and every other parent I know thought that Parents' Weekend seemed to come around MUCH sooner than expected. It's great to see your kids 'in their element' once they've settled in.</p>
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My mom has (as you know) had a very rough time with it the last couple of years...
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<p>I'm not familiar with your particular situation, but one thing I've heard that helps parents with leaving a child (or two!) at college is to have something to look forward to afterward. Could she take a trip, visit a spa, enroll in an adult ed class, or arrange for a relative or old friend to visit? </p>
<p>Of course, parents always appreciate kind words from their children, so a letter would be nice.</p>