Bereft mother

[miffy63]

My son, 19 yrs, went to Australia on Friday to stay with his Dad for a month. Despite the fact that even when he's here I rarely see him, I'm missing him like crazy and it's only been a few days. I've lined up loads of things to do, redecorating, various trips out, work etc but I can't stop brooding. I know it's not forever but a month seems such a long time. He'll have a great time, not having seen his Dad for 4 yrs there's alot of catching up to do. Other than keeping busy how can I stop myself feeling so bereft?

[metagirl]

call him regularly - email. I live thousands of miles away from my mother and even though i'm 29 she still misses me like crazy - i don't think that ever changes! but keeping in contact - knowing what he is up to - should take the sting out of the separation.

[makemesmile]

I'm not a mother so I can't begin to understand how you feel, but I can imagine it's not much fun. But I can remember how it feels to have a parent missing you whilst you want to get on with all the exciting things that life is throwing at you. Young people can seem a bit selfish, rushing off here, there and everywhere, leaving mum & dad at home, wondering what they're upto. And what's the last thing they want to do, when they do finally show up? Sit down and talk about where they've been etc. I can hear myself now, giving my parents the sharp answer 'out!' when asked the innocent question 'where are you going?' , and I cringe! I was so selfish! But most kids are.

Best thing you can do is just what you are doing. Fill your diary with interesting productive stuff. Get out and meet some like minded people, so that when he comes back, you can cheery tell him all the interesting stuff you've been upto, rather than him feeling like you're lost without him.

He'll be so impressed that you're not some clingy mum hanging on his every word, and you'll have a terrific time!

Good luck : )