It’s so true what they say about how quickly time flies. You’ll blink and suddenly find yourself in a store like Bed, Bath & Beyond with a long list for your child’s dorm, a growing headache, and a sense of panic creeping into your chest. So, load up the car with plastic bins, towel sets, your sense of humor, and a hefty box of tissues because your firstborn is heading off to college!
- Wow. Wow! Wow! This is really happening. He’s really leaving!
- Packing is a total drag, especially when it involves your “little one’s” things.
- No, you can’t just bring one pair of flip-flops as your only footwear. Yes, you need actual nice pants!
- Did we forget anything? Of course! He needs what?! This is going to cost a fortune.
- I am not making five trips to Target today. Not happening.
- There’s the dorm! I can handle this. I can handle this!
- Wait, maybe I can’t handle this.
- How did my mom ever manage to leave me here all those years ago?
- Stairs. So many stairs. Remind him that they’re no fun after a night of partying.
- Neither are hangovers. Time for a quick refresher on drinking rules.
- Awww! Look at all these bright young minds. They all seem so happy!
- And nervous. A few of them look really anxious. I just want to give them all a hug. Do people even make eye contact anymore?
- Ah, the nervous ones are trailing behind a very anxious mom.
- Please tell me I’m not that mom.
- I can’t possibly be old enough to have a child in college. Nope, not happening.
- That girl looks like she’s 12! Seriously, is her mom really just going to leave her here?
- That girl looks 25! My husband is trying so hard not to look, it’s hilarious.
- When did shorts become so… minimal? Stop looking. None of them are your daughters.
- But they could potentially become your daughter-in-law someday.
- Let’s not think about that right now. Dear God, please let him never have a romantic life.
- Before you leave, make sure he understands what “no” really means. Repeat until you’re blue in the face.
- Note to self: Next kid will only apply to all-male colleges.
- Girls living right next door? What?! Am I stuck in 1955?
- The dorm laundry room. His new laundry hub (snort). One less load at home! Thank goodness!
- I’d bet money he’ll come home with everything he owns completely dirty.
- Hello, Target. We meet again.
- Met the roommate. He’s super neat and organized (chuckle). Not a match made in heaven, but whatever! It’s out of my hands!
- One bathroom. One shower. Four 18-year-old guys. I’m gagging a little.
- Buy more bleach!
- Resist the urge to fold all his towels and organize his closet. Just resist!
- Okay, at least I’m going to make his bed look nice. He lets me. Don’t let him see the tears in your eyes. Don’t!
- I want to hug him so tightly it hurts, but there are other students around, and he has to appear “cool.”
- I can’t do this.
- Just met the roommate’s dad. He looks as shocked as I feel. We exchanged a glance that said, “Wow, those 18 years flew by, huh?”
- Ramen, rice, canned soup. All safe choices. No chance he’ll accidentally burn the place down, right?
- That mattress needs so many more layers of padding, but thank goodness it’s wrapped in plastic. Eww.
- Cherry blossom hand soap. Will these guys even use this? Another eww.
- Gray. Navy. Gray. Navy. Boys don’t decorate or accessorize. This place looks like a prison cell.
- Can I just peek into some of the girls’ dorms to “ooh” and “ahh” from the door?
- Oh goodness, he’s just tossing his clothes into drawers unfolded. Deep breath. Not my dresser, not my room, not my issue!
- Hearing another kid and their parents arguing in the hall. I don’t want to leave on that note. Smile, breathe, and enjoy the moment.
- I can’t do this.
- College kids these days need so little. Their phones and laptops replaced the need for alarm clocks, notebooks, and a million other things. How convenient!
- If I call and he doesn’t answer, claiming “My phone was dead,” I’m calling BS.
- Sending him a backup phone battery and extra charging cords.
- Tylenol – check. Cough syrup – check. Bandaids – check. He’s going to be so lost when he gets sick without me around. Oh well.
- Time to say goodbye!
- I can do this. I can do this!
- Squeeze him tight, tell him you’re proud and excited for his new adventure, then walk out with confidence. Don’t cry until you’re in the car and on the highway.
- I did it! I took my kid to college and kept it together. Now, let the tears flow. Happy tears!
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Summary
Drop-off day at college is an emotional rollercoaster filled with excitement, anxiety, and nostalgia. From packing essentials to witnessing your child embark on a new chapter, every moment is packed with significance. Remembering to keep it together while navigating this life transition is key, and don’t forget to check out additional resources on pregnancy and home insemination for your journey ahead.