Susanna Reid, one of Good Morning Britain’s most beloved presenters, has shared the emotional journey of watching her eldest son leave home for university. 

As a devoted mother of three, Reid admitted that the transition has been bittersweet, bringing both pride and heartache.

Emotional Farewell as Son Leaves for University

The 51-year-old journalist and television host is a proud mother to three sons—Sam, 20, 

Finn, 18, and Jack, 17—whom she shares with her ex-partner Dominic Cotton. However, as her eldest son, 

Sam, moved away to begin his university studies, she found herself struggling with the reality of his absence.

Speaking candidly about the experience, Reid revealed that she was overwhelmed with emotion when Sam first left home. 

“You cry your heart out because you know all that regular time with your children is gone, and that’s really sad,” she admitted. The transition marked a major milestone not just for Sam but for the entire family, as it signaled a new phase of independence for her son.

Adjusting to an ‘Empty Nest’

Although she is adjusting to the change, Reid confessed that the house feels different without her son’s constant presence. Living in South London, the TV presenter has built a close bond with her children and has always been hands-on in raising them. Now, with one of them away at university, she acknowledges that it has been an emotional adjustment.

Despite the sadness of seeing Sam leave, she has found comfort in his occasional visits home. “He does come back from time to time, which is a total pleasure,” she shared. The unexpected moments when he returns unannounced bring her immense joy. “In fact, he came back over the weekend without warning—no heads-up—which was absolute bliss,” she said, adding that she cherishes every opportunity to see him.

Maintaining a Strong Mother-Son Connection

Reid, who has always been private about her personal life, has spoken warmly about the special connection she maintains with Sam despite the distance. She expressed her delight at how often he stays in touch. “Every time I’ve called, he’s answered immediately, and he’s wanted to talk,” she said. These interactions reassure her that while Sam is gaining independence, their bond remains as strong as ever.

“I’m filled with love every time because I think: ‘OK, he’s gone, but he’s not gone gone. He still wants to feel that connection,’” she said, highlighting the comfort she feels knowing their relationship remains intact.

Realising the Inevitable Changes Ahead

What makes this transition even more emotional for Reid is the realisation that this is just the beginning. With three children close in age, she knows that one departure will soon be followed by another. “The thing I found even more emotional was realising he’s on a string of three. When he goes, the next one goes, then the next one,” she said, acknowledging the inevitable changes ahead.

To cope with the shift in family dynamics, she relies on a few comforting strategies, including preparing home-cooked meals to encourage her children to visit. “Lots of good home-cooked food helps,” she joked, knowing that the warmth of home will always bring them back.

A Close-Knit Family Despite Changes

Reid shares her three sons with her former partner Dominic Cotton, whom she was with for 16 years before they separated in 2014. Despite their split, they have successfully co-parented their children, ensuring that their well-being remains a top priority.

Though she has remained focused on her career, hosting Good Morning Britain and covering major news stories, her role as a mother has always been her most cherished responsibility. While she rarely discusses her children in public, her recent reflections on Sam’s departure reveal just how much family means to her.

A New Chapter for Both Mother and Son

As Sam settles into university life, Reid continues to navigate this new chapter of parenthood. While she admits that adjusting to the change has been emotional, she also embraces the pride of seeing her son take this important step toward adulthood.

Through open communication and a strong bond, the mother and son duo are proving that even as children grow and move on, the love between a parent and child remains unshaken.

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