My oldest is going to college. It only seems like yesterday she was my baby girl. Help!?

Question

I have 7 kids and my wife is pregnat with #8. My oldest is 18, and on June 12th, she'll be graduating from high school and in the fall she's going to York College in York, Pennsylvania. It seems like only yesterday I was holding her in my arms or teaching her how to ride a bike.

It's like I'm losing my baby girl. We are super close and I'm afraid that'll all change when she goes to college. I've talked with my wife(her step-mom)about it and all she has to say is that kids have to grow up, even though it's hard on the parents. And I can't bring myself to talk to my daughter!

How can I let go?

Answer 1

Everyone goes through this dude. Your children all grow up and move their separate ways. I would just talk to your daughter and let her know how much u love her and to give her luck on college. Make her understand that.

Answer 2

Brother, you are not letting her go for good. She will return, my friend.

Answer 3

The bad news:  You are losing your baby girl.

The good news:  You are on the verge of gaining a wonderful relationship with a young grown woman.

A very good friend of mine lost her 17 year old son to cancer two months ago.  He never got to graduate high school.

So, get things in perspective and chin up!  You've got a lot more kids headed toward adult independence.  Be grateful you have them.

Answer 4

Your relationship will change when she goes to college. You need to just accept it and move into whatever role she wants you to take.

She's no longer your baby, and if you continue to treat her as such your relationship with her will REALLY change,....for the worse. She's an adult now and you simply have to deal with it.

The whole point of raising children is to turn them into well-adjusted responsible adults. Your job is over and since she's going to college, you obviously did a good job.

There is no secret to letting her go, you just do. Sorry.

Answer 5

I feel your pain. My last just left home so I am dealing with the empty nest thing and I am single so it is really very empty. You will be proud of the daughter that comes home in December. You will not believe how much they grow up in just a few months. You will have a new and in many ways better relationship with her than you have now. It is scary for you daughter also so help her by encouraging her to fly the nest.