My daughter left for boot camp on the 19th and I my anxiety is thru the roof!!

[Denise]

Hi ladies! Any suggestions on how I can stay calm while I wait for any kind of contact? :(

[lemonelephant]

You raised an amazing young woman who is pursuing her dreams. Stay busy, take care of yourself, stay connected with others going through the same thing (I left groups on your My Page and join your PIR group as well once it has been created), stay connected with the ones who are still at home by being involved with them, stay connected with your recruit by writing encouraging letters even before you have her address (see Letter Writing & Fun Stuff/Questionnaires to send to your Recruit for ideas), and stay informed about what is going on with your recruit in BC (there's a lot of info in the Pages in Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones) and later in your PIR group) and what to expect at PIR and after (if you give me her contracted rating, job/specialty, I will give you info).

Yes, it's fine to fall apart every now and then. (Showers are great places for that.) Just don't stay there. You will get used to the new normal and getting The Form Letter so that you can send letters and then getting that first "real" letter around the third week may help (remember though that the first letter from a recruit may indicate things aren't going so well--don't worry; it will get better as the recruits learn to work together and to do things the Navy way instead of their own way).

That call "around week 3" may come before or after that. Calls are totally up to the RDC. Don't expect a call, but have your phone available at all times (especially 8 am to 8 pm M-Th and Sat and 1 pm to 8 pm on Fridays and Sundays--calls at other times are possible, but generally indicate a problem or a need for information) and be pleasantly surprised when you get a call and hearing her voice and speaking to her will do so much for both of you See Phone Cards and Phone Calls.

(((((Denise))))) that's a cyber hug for you.

[Martha]

My son just graduated 1-15-16. It's normal to feel the way you do. We all have gone through this. Just let it out, but also feel proud and confident that your child is very capable and is among other recruits going through the same thing. They help each other out and become close as time goes on. So don't worry, she is not alone. I wrote to my son before I had his address every day, sometimes 2ce a day. Just letters telling him how proud I was and what was going on with the family. I had about 20 pages I mailed. Lol. I must tell you the 1st letter you get from her will not be a regular letter. It will have her mailing address and graduation information. About 2 weeks after I got that letter he called me. My son talked to me for about 30 minutes. It was great. He was fine and doing well so try not to worry too much. After that 1st call I felt much better, the tears were replaced by pride and joy that he was handling whatever came his way. You just want to hear her. It's hard. I'm sure she's handling it like a champ. Write to her. As soon as they are able to get mail, they crave to hear from home. It stinks to see everyone else getting mail and you dont. I encouraged my sisters and brothers to write to him or send him a card. Friends .. I tried to get as many people I could to send a note of support and encouragement. I will pray for your daughter, that she stay strong and confident in herself. She's amazing. Hugs and blessings always. :-)

[FormerDP]

What you are feeling is totally normal.  My mother worried every day when I was in basic training, and her anxiety only grew when I was forward-deployed on my first duty station. Remember, she is your baby, but she is also her own woman.  She chose to raise her right hand and take the oath.  Her RDC's job is to ensure that she is successful.

[Denise]

I'm on it!! Thank you soo very much! ~Hugs~

[Denise]

Martha
Do you know if they will be able to leave base and go to dinner or be able to see other family members that were unable to attend the graduation? We have grandma's and grandpa's taking the trip and they really want to see her. Thanks

[Lavenderen]

Write to her right away but try to stay positive. While they are in boot camp getting letters mean so so much and getting a stack of them will be like Christmas morning! It's no picnic not hearing from a loved one but you will get calls just always be prepared for them! But most importantly try to write every day. When you hear from her you will feel so much better and before you know it she will be finished. Hang in there.

[Denise]

Thank you soo much!

[anxiousmom]

Hi Denise.  my daughter does not leave until May 10th and I am already sad and wondering what I will do or how I will handle it.  I am also a single mom so once she leaves it will just be me.  let me know how you are doing as I am sure I will need some tips on how to handle my anxiety as well.  Wish you and your daughter the best.   

PS ..how old is your daughter and what job will she be going to after BC?