Why do I feel sad because my 15 year old wants to live w/ his dad?

My husband and I divorced when my son was 8. He is 15 now. My ex and I get along extremely well (so much so that I have the garage code for his house). We live about 25 minutes apart. My son goes to school in the district where my ex lives. I have primary custody. My ex has him 2 nights a week and everyother weekend.

I knew this day would come. He’s in high school now and he wants to be where his friends are. My son and I had a heart to heart talk about it last week and I said I understand where he is coming from, and I’m not mad, I’m just sad that I won’t get to see him as much. I was crying, and I even saw a little tear run down his cheek. We decided after the first of the year is when we will make the change. He is having some surgery in a couple of weeks and I will be off work taking care of him.

I know this is the right thing to do, but inside I am dying. I want him to be happy, and if this is what he wants, and will make him happy, then that’s what we will do. I am ok with it sometimes, and other times, I can’t stop crying. For instance yesterday I was fine, then when I sat down and watched America’s Funniest Home Videos, I saw all the videos of young boys and their parents and it reminded of me when my son only wanted me.

Any words of encouragement to make me feel better would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you, A sad mom in WI

Answer #1

Awww, this is really sad, my parents also split when I was young. I won’t go through it all but anyway, it was really emotional as I was young didn’t know what to do but personally from my experience, if that’s what he wants to do then I think I’d be best for him. He needs to socialise. My mother was very protective of me after that and still now despite how old I am she still likes to think I’m her little one and throughout my teenage years I was (not nesserally deprived as it’s a harsh word) but just protected to the point where I couldn’t go out with friends outside town and still to this day I only really have one close friend (kind of he has slight Autism bless him) but it’s still comfortable. Really just to wrap it all up I think if it’s time to let him go, let him go and as he grows I’m sure he’ll make you proud! Don’t forget it’s not that he prefers his dad but as you say his friends are closer. But do speak to him again and try and come to a set agreement that maybe if he spends a month with dad (if you can legally do that) and then spend a month with you, so that he’s not backwards and forwards, and you may even feel your relationship with your son has grown with the space that this has given you. Be strong, if you want me just message me anytime! Best wishes to you, and many greetings from the UK. Please let me know what happens. Regards Sam

Answer #2

I dont know what it would be like to watch an offspring just get up and leave… it must be hard even though you know when and where it will be happening

telling you to put it to the back of your head is impossible I know…

would it help if you and your son arranged ASAP the days and times he would come and visit you after his move?

and dont forget you could also arrange days out at theme parks and such on the days he doesnt see you…

so for argument sake if you had the lil fella every weekend you can arrange (when hes on a school holiday) to go to a theme park or anything of his choice…

im not a parent so im not very gd :)

Answer #3

You just have to know that he want’s a chanche that he does love you but also there comes a time when we all need a time when we need the other perent too!

Don’t be sad!!:( he does love you is just that when we are growing up I now that we want to expiriance new things. He is 15 and he want also to let his dad know that he loves him too!! So dont be sad he just wants a chanche but he love you:)

Answer #4

Of course you’re going to be sad about this.. but your son loves you very much and he’s not leaving because of you. He’s growing up and you just have to let him make decisions for himself sometimes.. I wish my dad supported my decision to live with my mom the way you are. It seems like you guys have a really good relationship and although it’s hard for you, just keep supporting him. You’ll be okay. :)

Answer #5

hi

im a boy round about the same age and really in the same siuation as your son, my parents split up and still get on great like you do with your ex

I cant say you will feel better stright away but soon you will and to me you doing a great thing it looks like he wants to go to see his friend an so on like you said but if you think about it your helping him be a man in a way, I no it sounds stupied but really think if he hangs with his dad he will see how a man acts an he will soon act more like a man by studying his dad which is good if you think about it

and dont worry it dosent sme that far away an he will come to see you and also this give you a chance to do like date if you dont have a boyfriend or if you do them be able to get out more with him, really what im saying is you have a chance to do more an if I was you I would take it an this will help you take you mind off him leaving

from my view your a great mum and he is lucky to have you and dont worry what ever happens you still his mum an from what my mother told me, mum has this thing around them that makes there kids feel safe and happy an because of that he will still come to you somthing if he need help

hoped I help

Answer #6

Wow. I appreciate the story about you and your son. It sounds like you have raised him well.

You are making the right decision. From your story, it seems that everything will be okay.

– a divorced dad

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