Reading: What You’re Thinking on College Drop-Off Day

Remember all those wistful old ladies who cooed over your baby? The ones who, blissfully unaware they were catching you on hour four of that day’s nap battle, beamed and said, “before you know it, she’ll be in college?”

They were right.

It was a long haul, but it happened just like that. College drop-offs are happening all around the country right now, signifying a fresh start for kids and parents alike. We watch our babies test out extra-long mattresses, fret over poster arrangement, and take their first steps towards inventing their adult selves. And then we head home, proud and sad, ready for our own reinventions to begin.

We all knew college move-in day would come, and in some ways it couldn’t have happened soon enough. But it doesn’t matter whether your kids have been grown and flown for a while now, or you’re just starting to realize you’ll be an empty nester soon. These Tweets will hit you right in the feels, as the kids say.

When your baby girl FaceTimes from college cause she knows it’s the first time in 20 years you haven’t taken a first day of school picture of her or her brother #emptynester

— Stephanie Baxa (@SBaxa) August 17, 2018

No matter how excited you are for your child to start college..that pit in your stomach as you drive away…💔😢 #parentingishard #emptynest

— Sandy Danko (@casand1066) August 21, 2018

Problem: Your child is going off to college and you’ll miss them terribly.
Solution: Build Ikea furniture with them and you’ll mututally hate each other! Guaranteed months of not wanting to see each other!
**do not attempt if either party is irresponsible with tools*#emptynest

— Rena (@library_vixen) August 25, 2018

Enjoying a different version of Friday Night Lights #EmptyNest pic.twitter.com/ig1pye0DRT

— Jack Claypoole (@JackClaypoole) August 25, 2018

My mom just said “I forgot to tell you something you’re deathly allergic to penises” #collegedropoff

— Nia Kai Reed (@NiaKaiReed) June 29, 2014

Anyone else obsessively check social media for any sign of their young adult children? Or is it just me? I yelled at them for years to get off their phones now I’m like “one Instagram post wouldn’t kill you.” Ugh. #emptynest #thestruggleisreal pic.twitter.com/zzuwGBFnhU

— Christina Mandelski (@fiction_chris) August 22, 2018

Day 1: Next chapter of my life

Takes deep breath

I can do this

Steps outside

Doesn’t hyperventilate

Off to a good start#EmptyNest

— 🌵#207 Thoughts🌵 💜💛 (@outdoorsforme) August 24, 2018

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