I am so sad today

[jadyn]

My sixteen year old son has started work as a mechanical apprentice with a steel company today. He's been going to the local further education college since he was in his last couple of years at school and applied for the bursary apprenticeship from there - academically, he's always been at the top of the class.
It seems only yesterday that I was holding him in my arms. I feel numb today watching his father drive him to the works. For God's sake, he's not old enough to drive a car! I'm sitting here terrified that he may sustain an accident at work and I just feel I couldn't cope with it if anything happened to him. It was only a few months ago that I had to sign consent forms for permission for him to undertake school/college trips etc and suddenly it seems no-one need ask me for permission for anything. I know I've got to let him grow up and move on in life, but I'm finding this very difficult to cope with right now. Can anyone offer me some advice please?

Thank you

[joeluke]

It's time to cut the apron strings

[dianahoohar]

My son started work at 16. I was pleased for him. It gives them independence and self worth. It's a positive move forward - so enjoy it. He is now 22 and has a lot more confidence since being in work.

[Booldawg]

Sounds like he's a lad to be proud of.

[pastafreak]

You should be excited for him....he sounds like a young man with goals and ambition. Not all that easy to come by these days. He is 16-so an adult in many ways. He is doing responsible things,and though we parents always worry about our children, we need to let go.You have obviously raised him well...enjoy the fruits of your labour.

[rowanwitch]

Be proud of raising an intelligent, and independant child so well that he can go out into the world....Now what are you going to do for yourself......?

[Bbbananas]

It is hard letting them go, letting them learn & make all the mistakes of an adult.... But he sounds to be a good lad & you've raised him well.
It's only natural to feel a little melancholy xx

[LoftyLottie]

Just think how lucky you are jadyn. You have a lovely bright son who is going into an apprenticeship and will probably do very well in life, and a lot of that is down to your brilliant parenting. He is still coming home at night and you will start to see such a difference in him and will have to learn that he is now in a 'man's world' and will have to take the rough with the smooth. You will need to step back from him now and watch him develop, to treat him more like a friend and less like a son (although he will come running when he want's you).

You haven't got a child any more but you are at the beginning of a lovely new stage in your life and his and it's just as good. No more worrying about school reports, parents evenings, etc. etc!!

You should be very, very proud of him.

Treat yourself, if you can, to some new things just for you and think of what the future holds. You can't get the past back.

Well done, to you and your son.

[LoftyLottie]

Oooh, no replies when I started my screed and most of them are saying the same things! :o)

[merciasounds]

Is he your only child? - Its another milestone in your lives, like his first day at school, loosing his first tooth, now his first day at work. They grow up so fast, and the older they get the quicker it seems to go. Don't dwell on it, it's a big world out there, full of adventure and before you know it he'll be bringing girls home and then tell you he's getting married!

[ladyalex]

I know how you feel.....sad, but you know it has to happen...and afraid.....but there's noting you can do but accept these feelings for the present and wait for them to subside. After all you've spent 16 years looking after him and protecting him from harm, you cannot expect to shut down overnight.
One piece of advice I got form a friend when I was at one of these stages with my son was 'Think what you were doing at his age ?' It kind of put things into perspective for me when I looked at it that way.
He's on the brink of an exciting new part of his life, everything is positive for him, try to see it his way . He'll always be your boy, just more independent.

[brenda]

My boys are both in there forties, they will always be my babies to me.I still tell them what to do and they go yeah yeah mum and laugh.

Although I no longer hold them in my arms they will be forever in my heart.
Sounds like you have done a good job with your boy , be proud of your success , and of course his.

[brenda]

Sorry --Their !!!!

[jadyn]

Thank you all very much for your kind comments and good advice. I'm feeling a little less melancholic today than yesterday so I think I may be starting coming to terms with this traumatic event.
More important than anything though is the fact that my son is enjoying work!

[Marijn]

If he's coming home at night, then that's not that much different to school days, just longer days.