independence day

“Daniel has always been very confident, but he was also worried about not knowing anyone and making new friends. As parents,it was our job to listen to his concerns and not down-play them, but just remind him how great he is.

“To help him prepare, Daniel and I spent a lot of time together choosing all the things he needed which helped us get organised and also gave him an opportunity to pick what he liked. 

“The best thing we did was make him a handwritten cookbook with easy recipes and family favourites.

“I wrote the recipes out and then, unbeknown to me, my husband went through and added lots of funny comments and instructions. The cookbook ended up being the talk of his floor and a great ice breaker.

“On the day itself, we let Daniel pick up the keys and point the way to his new halls. It’s their experience, so it’s important to let them take the lead.

“Although we were just as nervous, my husband and I made a conscious effort to keep positive and focus on everything good about his new room. We pointed out the local shops and chatted about all the different things he would experience living there.

“We helped him unpack the essentials, make his bed and then once he was settled, we gave him a big hug, wished him luck and left. There is a real temptation to linger and take them out for dinner, but the best thing to do is leave them to it.

“We hadn’t unpacked everything in his room, so he could then spend some time doing this himself, settle in and meet his flatmates.

“One of the things I was most concerned about was him having enough food. I wanted him to move in with enough for the week, but he didn’t want to. 

“In the end, we sent him with essentials and he and his new housemates then went on a big supermarket trip together on their first night, which was a great bonding experience for them all.

“I remember the drive back being very emotional, but you have to remember that although it’s hard for you, it’s not about you, it’s the start of their independence.”