Would you wait up for your 18 year old to come home.?

Question

He does,nt know I do but I cant get to sleep untill I know he is in all safe and sound.

Answer 1

I'm the same, I can't help it, I have a son who's 22 and 3 girls 19,17 and 15, and I worry every time they're late, I try and not phone them and embarrass them so I text if they're late, or they text me to let me know they'll be late,Even then I'm up till they get home.

Answer 2

Many parents can't get to sleep until their children return home, safe and sound, no matter how old they are. If he doesn't know, I wouldn't tell him, as at 18 its hard enough to feel grown up and independent. If he is a good boy and doesnt get into trouble, then try as much as you can to get to sleep, or at least relax, read a book or do something. If he is out and up to no good, then put a curfew on him, its your house, your rules and you need your rest. As you dont say he is up to no good, I am going to assume that he is behaving well and just generally out being a young lad. If so, you really need to tell yourself that he is safe, that he has a mobile and that he would call you if he needed help in any way. Ask yourself what you are waiting up for, if, God forbid anything should happen, somebody would be in touch as soon as possible, if you were asleep, you would wake up. The chances are he will be fine, and continue to come home when he does, probably eat the fridge of its contents and shuffle off to bed blissfully unaware that you are waiting up. Try at least going to bed on nights he is out, and turning out the light and trying to fall asleep, you may be surprised, if not, just try, and if you cannot sleep after half an hour, get up again and do something boring, then try again. Keep telling yourself that your son is well and fine and enjoying himself, and lucky he has parents who care.

Answer 3

Hes 18 years old. He is old enough to look after himself. Im sure your parents worried as well when you were 18. But its a natural feeling. Every parent or carer feels like this at some point.
The best thing you can do is dont think about it. Because next year he'll be 19, then 20, then 21, then moving out of the house. You are going to have to come to a conclusion as to whether you yourself can manage on your own.
Just remember, stay calm.

Answer 4

I am 54 and have been self-employed for 10 years, running training courses and earning good money. I talk to my Mum on the phone every week, and every week she asks, "When are you next working?" Just a couple of years ago, she told me that when I lived at home (till I was 19) she used to stay up until I got home at night. She would listen for my key in the door, then rush upstairs so that I would not know she had waited.

Mums, God bless 'em!!

Answer 5

:o) My kids aren't that old yet, but when they are-you bet I'm going to wait up!!! But that's just me- an over protective mom. And in my eyes, that's ok. Even though it may drive out kids nuts to be that way, it does show that we care! I would rather they know that, then thinking I didn't care when they roll in.
My oldest is only 11, but I think now "How in the world am I going to let him go off to college?" Maybe I'll rent a condo and live with him :o) (just kidding!) Seriously though, it's scary- I just hope that what I'm doing now is getting him to be a smart, honest, loving and RESPONSIBLE person!

(I love the texting thing now! My husband and I do it a lot, and when my kids are old enough to have a phone, that's what I'll do instead of calling :o)

Answer 6

My mom would not let any of us sleep until my brother was home safe and sound, not that she would make us stay awake we just felt bad, seeing her sit alone watch tv clinge and run to the window every time she heard a sound or a car. It is normal, and some what sweet that a mother would that. But sometimes it takes alot out of you doesnt it?

Answer 7

I never slept when my kids were toddlers, and after they turned 13, until they were safely home. I was glad when they left home.
For those who say it depends on sex of the child, bear in mind that the highest rate for unnatural deaths is for young men aged 18 - 25 years old.
Both my sons were beaten up on numerous occasions - one so badly that I could read the make of the shoes from the marks on my son's skin.

Answer 8

No I wouldn't. It's really sweet and everything but legally 2 years ago he could be living on his own! You have raised him with love but now it's his time to live his life as an adult. How you feel is completely normal though. Take time out to do something for yourself now. Get yourself out there trying new things and if you have a partner have some quality time together as a couple. Listening to relaxation cds in bed may help you to get to sleep, or ease the worrying. I'd be proud to have a mother who cared about me as much as you seem to care for your son. All the best

Answer 9

my brother is s sensible responsible 23 year old who lives with his partner and my mother. If he goes out, the household waits up for him. Any time past the delegated sign in time results in phone calls. Its about respect both ways.
If your son changes his plans or is going to be latter than expected, then my mom said it doesn't matter what time it is phone, or I wont get any sleep. We have always phoned, and yes she still waited up, but at least she wasn't walking the floor worrying.
I now wait up for my husband and I have 2 babies, what am I going to be like when the grow up!!!!

Answer 10

I have a 20 y old son and believe me , that happens to me too. First I was not able to sllep at all. With time, you get the chance to have some sleep, but allways wake up when he gets home, and then, you really sleep.