Today was a hard day for all of us. We dropped our 16 year old son, Ricky off at an excellent boarding school that specializes in math and science. I am happy for him because it will open many doors for him, but I am still sad and doubting if this was the right move or not. He seems so young at 16, yet so mature, too.

I can't help but feel my family will never be the same. Next year, my oldest will go off to college. I knew this time would come for us, but I didn't think it was so soon. I feel like I am tossing away the last 2 years I have ( had?) with my 16 yo. I know I will see him on the weekends ( the school is close to where we live), and they have a long extended weekend every month, but its still not the same.

If you feel led, could you pray for us as we make this transition and pray for my son to be strong in his convictions.

Posted by InjoyLife

I understand just how you feel...

I have 2 that are out now, one daughter who is married and lives a few states away with her hubby and baby, and one who just decided it was "time" and has her own place accross town.

I often sigh when I remember having them all here, when they were little and they were the best of pals, and then even as they grew older, and the different mannerisms, etc. that are missing around here.

I also struggle with letting kids as young as 16 go away like your son. We allowed our daughter to get totally engrossed in college at 16, and we are now sorry. I don't want to give you a scare; your son is probably much more grounded than she was, and he is also a boy. I think our daughter kind of felt abandoned, so she had to fend for herself in that horrible environment, even though she lived at home. We are now doing things much differently with our 17 and 16 yo daughters, even though they have started jobs. We are only allowing them 24 hours a week, with only one outing--not including church.

I guess we just assumed that she was so mature that she could just "handle" it. We now realize that a young person of 16 or 17 still needs a good amount of sheltering, even at the expense of seeming a little "controlling".

I will be praying for your son--does he have a first name?

Sherry

Posted by Quiver0f10

His name is Ricky and I do appreciate the prayers. I worry sick about how the outside influences will affect him.He is well grounded and has goals in place, but life happens. We had thought about putting him at the community college, but my hubby didn't want him around college level kids. So, atleast he is around his age group although I am not sure if thats a good thing or not, yet.

Posted by Panshrmu

I obviously don't have experience with your situation, but have a few friends here who sent their kids to boarding school or back to America for highschool. You do what you feel is best and put it in God's hands. I know you are up north, is he at Dublin by any chance? That's in VT I think though, probably too far away. I had roommates from there at college and they had lots of friends from there too. Keeping you in my thoughts.

Posted by Quiver0f10

He is not at Dublin, but my husband's sister went there! Small World, huh?