If a child’s first day at kindergarten is memorable, when they leave home for university can feel like an irrevocable life change for parents.

Knowing how to say goodbye, and dealing with the sense of loss that can follow, is part of being a parent.

The weight of grief experienced can take many by surprise, but acknowledging the depth of sadness you are going through is key to accepting it.

This morning, our very own Amanda Keller reflected on her own experience, which left us all with used tissues smeared across the table. Either that or somebody was cutting onions in the studio!

Click ‘PLAY’ below to hear Amanda’s full reflection:
(Oh, and grab the tissues!)

“He’s [Liam, Amanda’s son] is off to Newcastle Uni tomorrow and I’ve been trying to work out what my emotions of it are because I’m excited for him and it’s nostalgic for me and part of it is, I keep thinking about Mum dropping me off at Bathurst.

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“I wish I could ask her now, how did that feel?”

She added, “When you leave home, you don’t look back, but our home life will change forever, in a great way! As I said, I’m excited for him and so pleased for him but just the four of us having dinner together every night, that phase is over, and that’s how it should be, but it’s hard”.

Want more? Listen to this best bit from Jonesy & Amanda!