Express & Star

Spare mum a thought as results revealed

Talking point columnist Diane Davies says parents are just as nervous for A-level results day

Published
Students are eagerly awaiting the results of their A-levels

Fingernails are being chewed to the quick this week as anxious teenagers prepare for the arrival at last of their A-level results on Thursday.

For many, hopefully the majority, their labours will have paid off and our leaders of tomorrow will begin a new chapter, take the first rung on the ladder to success and could well be set to enjoy the enviable life of a student.

The future’s so bright they have to wear shades – especially after freshers week.

But what about the parents? Not even the wait for my own A-level results produced the anxiety I have felt over recent weeks as D-day approaches for number one son – and what promises to be a day of mixed emotions.

On one hand this is probably the most important milestone in his life to date as this one piece of paper could determine his entire future.

If he makes the grade he will be one of the lucky few to have bagged places on the university course of his choice which will open countless new doors for him.

If he doesn’t he could find himself on a completely different route, although hopefully as successful and filled with happiness.

Results day is approaching

What if the news is bad? How do I watch my child’s heart breaking as his hopes and dreams are thrown in the air? Sheer torment for any parent.

On the other hand, however, success means waving goodbye to my boy – in term time at least.

For 18 years I have washed and ironed his clothes, served up badly cooked meals (I’m no Nigella) and been at his beck and call should he need a lift, company, cash (!) or support of any kind.

And I have been glad to do so (most of the time) because he, in turn, has been there and I was happy (most of the time).

The idea of an empty bedroom fills me with dread. He is under no illusion that I won’t be the most embarrassing parent as he crosses the threshold of his student halls for the first time. And probably the second, third maybe even fourth times.

Whatever the future holds for A-level students they have the support of their schools, universities, UCAS, training organisations and more.

Parents are expected to simply cut the apron strings and get on with it.

There seems to be the impression that once the fledglings have left the nest, mothers become ladies who lunch and shop, get their hair done regularly and enjoy leisure time with friends. Peruse a tidy home.

Maybe I should take up a hobby or start going to the gym (or not).

Will that actually ease the ache that I am already feeling ahead of the big send-off? There should be support groups for abandoned mothers to get us through that difficult first term, sat at home desperately fighting the urge to text – again.

So lads and lasses, as you celebrate your results on Thursday how about a hug for your poor mum? And come October make sure you pick up the phone once in a while because even if she is at yoga or out with the girls you can be sure of one thing – she is missing you.