Firstborn Leaves for College and Low Self-Esteem for 01/06/2017

Dear Family Coach: My firstborn son is about to graduate high school and head off to college on a scholarship. We have always been so close, and although I knew this day was coming, I am inconsolably sad. I feel myself pulling away because I can't stand the idea of losing him. Do you have any tips on how to shake this horrible feeling and still be a mom without overdoing the care packages and text messages? — Clueless

Dear Clueless: You aren't losing your son. He is just growing up. That's not the same thing. While he may be moving out, you can still secure a close relationship with him, maybe one that is even deeper and on a more grown-up level.

Updated: Fri Jan 06, 2017