Preparing for a younger son's college transition involved a group chat with other parents. Initially, the chat was helpful for sharing information like orientation details and dorm layouts. However, as conversations progressed, shopping replaced planning, with parents discussing expensive kitchen items. This change reflected a deeper emotional struggle of parents trying to manage their children's move away from home, highlighting feelings of over-preparation and difficulty in letting go. Unlike the simpler experience of the first son, the second son's preparation felt overwhelming and akin to a wedding registry.
When three of our sons committed to the same university and decided to room together, one mom created a new thread called 'Dorm Room Group.' We invited our sons into the chat, too, but the moms kept the chat going.
The group chat started out helpful. We shared orientation links, move-in dates, and dorm layout videos.
The shopping picked up one summer afternoon. They started filling their Amazon carts with expensive kitchen tools.
All the planning can get frustrating, but I know we parents are just struggling to let go.
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