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It was like dropping my son off at a nice, little New England college.
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<p>That was the feeling that I got as well. This is not negative by any means. Really, I think Exeter resembles a small college more than anything. </p>
<p>The thing is, my son felt at home at Exeter within minutes of his tour and when we left him at his dorm at around five o'clock, he was well on his way to making new friends and was looking forward to the cookout that his dorm parents were planning for dinner. How can I be sad when my child is so excited and happy?</p>
<p>I felt like I was leaving him in an environment that seems to suit him very well; it's certainly a much better fit than our local school.</p>
<p>I will likely not hear from him for a few days. He did update his facebook page last night though. :) I suppose I'll have to hang on to those scraps. Maybe someone will remind him to call his poor old mother!</p>
<p>I dropped my son off at the airport, not Exeter, but from his (glowing) phone call last evening, I’d say the small college feeling matches his impression too. But that’s exactly his cup of tea–he’d rather find his own way, provided there are people around willing to answer questions and help out when asked–than be part of a more structured, “parental” (or, as he would see it, controlling) setting. </p>
<p>Anyway, he says everyone’s incredibly nice and everything’s more laid back than he expected and all his pre-school worries about athletics, band etc. were quickly put to rest by the proctors and returning students in his dorm. So first impressions are all good here–still sounds like the right place for my kid–and much more suited to who he is than here, much as I already miss him. I’m feeling WAY better than I was yesterday morning. :)</p>
<p>Well we did not exactly have all summer to adjust to the fact, having learned 10 days ago my D would be attending BS. Dropped her off yesterday. Empty nest syndrome now.
She was /is so ready. I know this is right for her, but seems like yesterday I was changing her nappy!</p>
<p>Taft was a breeze. D made friends with existing students on FB beforehand. She was immediately adopted by the other sophomores. Driving by the school the night before was a bit tough because everything seemed surrealistic, but by the morning it was wonderful. Another incoming sophomore was checking out of the hotel at the same time. The football team was recruited to help the girls move in when we arrived. We’d already met her roommate via email and Facebook and they began planning room decorations. The school was ready for parents, we got tours of all her classes, met all of her teachers, ate lunch in the dining hall and then I attended a reception so I could ask questions while she was in orientation.</p>
<p>Somehow seeing the dorm room (and organizing it with the other mom and dad) while the girls were exploring increased my comfort level. I’m staying in touch with the other mom via email, and we’ve Skyped (toughest day was sending happy birthday videos on her birthday instead of doing it in person).</p>
<p>She loves it - absolutely. Said it was very tough but she was up for the challenge. Has already signed up for activities, and her advisor called to check in and say hello after I returned home. Two counselors gave me emails to check in, and we’ll be going up next month for a parent weekend.</p>
<p>I’m smitten. And as long as I get a few texts and a Skype each week, I know she’s fine.</p>
<p>Think of where you all were a year ago…Neato, Exie, Alexis, etc…I am so excited for all of you! You all in particular have been so generous and kind to all kinds of parents and families throughout the process…I tip my hat to you all…</p>
<p>Exie, like I said, the people I know who attended Taft, loved it, thrived there, and are successful in their chosen fields and really enjoy their lives…</p>
<p>Neato…Exeter has impressive admissions videos…Makes me cry every time, because one of them captures I think, what we all want for our children, and why families in general pursue boarding school.</p>
<p>It takes a truly loving parent(s), guardian, grandparent etc, who have raised a child, and if possible, be willing to let them spread their wings and fly when they are ready. And that may be at 14,15,16, or 17. Not just at 18, for college.</p>
<p>My D is at The Ethel Walker School. She is thrilled - I think she spent most of the weekend in the barn (riding will be her team sport).<br>
She is looking forward to classes tomorrow.</p>
<p>It was especially important for a kid who was told on a regular basis to “Keep what you know to yourself. You’re confusing the other children.” and “I’m not trying to teach you.”</p>
<p>I am even more exhausted than when I gave birth–lol. I returned home Sunday afternoon.</p>
<p>At the moment all I can say is that no tears were shed, she walked away with her “big sister” to diner and never looked back. I am sad that she isnt at home , but happy she is the best possible place that can/will meet her needs.</p>
<p>I must admit I thought that all the excitement had to be somewhat overrated, but in the end, the students, staff, and faculty, exceeded my wildest dreams.</p>
<p>Alex825mom- lol @ more exhausted than giving birth. I wondered how you were making out; when your kid’s absence creates what Sadie refers to as the “empty nest” syndrome, it can be tough; believe me, I know. </p>
<p>Son will be in town to representing his school at an event in a few days. I’m so excited see him in action, I’m like a star struck kid with backstage passes to a sold-out concert. And for those inclined to offer me the most obvious suggestion, I DID get a life, but still…</p>
<p>We’ve already sent three packages - lol! Things she forgot, a special birthday present. Turns out for the latter she needs a software upgrade so we were packing up the disks when her roommate came in and yelled “Oh, Mom’s coming up for my game, she’s bringing the software up with her.”</p>
<p>I love what is happening. Neato is right on with that quote. Where she can be as smart without being criticized for it. </p>
<p>We had a long Skype visit. Her grin and giggles when describing life on campus (and joking with dorm mates who popped in to say hello) made everything worth the stress. More importantly, my husband couldn’t attend move-in day so it was the first time he saw her room and met her roommate. He was grinning broadly as she panned her camera so he could see everything.</p>
<p>I’m with Alexz. It does seems very quiet with her gone. But I asked for at least one text every other day and she’s been good about sending the “I’m still alive” updates.</p>
<p>My d finally called on Friday morning. She is stuffed up but sounded wonderful. The house mom sent pictures Monday nite, and the smile my d had on her face said it had done the right thing.</p>
<p>They finally put their ID pictures up on line, the smile she had on that pic gave me such a sense of relief, then I almost cried.</p>
<p>During our conversation, she said she changed from chemistry to accelerated physics–go figure—lol. She loves her geometry teacher, her comment was “I have a math teacher, that actuality teaches”. </p>
<p>The house is silent, ok except for the cat missing Alexz. I went grocery shopping and spent only $32 bucks…wow.</p>
<p>My life is different…but i am looking forward to parents weekend.</p>
<p>Had a hilariously giggly Skype followed by a temporary melt-down from stress of ta particularly hard class (she has a “perfectionist streak”). I was very surprised at how fast the faculty identified and fixed the problem (and got her smiling again). Lightning fast in fact - including calls to us to let us know they’d tag teamed her.</p>
<p>Sigh. They are better “parents” than I am and they keep my husband and I feeling like we’re in the loop.</p>
<p>Will be visiting in a few weeks. Wish it were tomorrow.</p>
<p>I teased her and asked if she wanted me to send her a plane ticket home. She replied “I’m hanging up on you!” Yep. She’s where she wants to be.</p>
and they keep my husband and I feeling like we’re in the loop.</p>