Kids are annoying (Even when they're 27)

[bluemoon]

Just found out our number 1 son has taken an EFL course and is off to Beijing to teach for two years at the beginning of December. Kids!!!!!! I don't mind really, I think it will be a good experience for him and it's not something you can do later when you have family and responsibilities, but I'll miss him dreadfully and it was a bit of a shock. The least he could have done was tell me gradually, like the old 'cat on the roof' joke, but he said nothing until his flight was booked. Don't know whether to hug him or strangle him.

[Eco-Chic]

Oh you must be gutted.

Would you have gone over the top if he'd told you sooner?

If you both get webcams you will at least be in visual contact.

[bluemoon]

No, I wouldn't have gone over the top, I'd have done all I could to help him. I think he was worried that he wouldn't complete the course or that it would all fall through. He's not the world's most natural teacher and his English is probably little more than O.K., he has a science degree, but in his final year was able to choose whether to do an extra exam or a dissertation, he chose the exam rather than write any more than was absolutely necessary!

[lottie dolly]

very best wishes and the best of luck to your son,well done him,you must be soooo proud,

[OllieMartin]

I'm 27, although I've not done anything like that (and can't really now); if I was going to I'd probably have done it several years ago. Somewhere between 18 and 25 probably. I have a friend who has just gone to South Africa to manage the construction of various community buildings in an AIDS averse area, his mum is similarly concerned about him.
I'm sure you'll miss him, but think of the life experiences he'll gain that people like me have missed out on. Best of luck, to both of you.

[rustylady]

Doesn't matter whether they're 27 or nearly 40 (like my eldest) they're always your babies and you will always worry about them.

[Glutton4...]

Look on the bright side - it's saved you buying him a Christmas present LOL!

[bluemoon]

Sadly I haven't got out of the Christmas pressie, or his birthday one, which is 2 days later, I'm just expected to produce them early. I've also just booked a going away lunch for him, and as it's on the last Sunday in November, the place is already serving their Christmas menu. At least we won't have to cook it. There are more exciting places we could book, but my mum wouldn't come if we did. (this is a woman who won't even try Sungold tomatoes, because they're small and orange instead of big and red)

[Glutton4...]

There are more exciting places we could book, but my mum wouldn't come if we did. (this is a woman who won't even try Sungold tomatoes, because they're small and orange instead of big and red)

LOL - Some folk just have no sense of adventure!

[Brengirl]

Ahhw. I feel for you, in a way, but don't you feel proud that he is able to walk on his own.
I received an email a couple of years ago. Our son had taken a weekend trip to New York. The email he sent me had a photo attached. Yeh you're right - The full monty - dress suit and bridal gown in Central Park Twas pure magic for me. He had wed his partner and mother of his two sons. It was the happiest moment of my life.
When our kids are strong and independant is the ultimate success story.

[bramble]

Bluemoon, I know exactly how you feel. My son up and went to Spain to find his independence and I was gutted as well.
That was about 10 years ago and he is now married with two children and living about ten minutes away from me.
He stayed for about a year and in that time we went over on a surprise visit which was a great success.
He also phoned and chatted to me more in that year than when he was at home.
It will take a bit of time to get used to the idea and i think he should have told you sooner and you wouldn't be so upset now.