Naomi Watts experiences mixed emotions after leaving son at college

In August 2025, in Southern California, Naomi Watts and her ex-husband Liev Schreiber faced the emotional experience of sending their son, Sasha Schreiber, off to college. Sasha, who is embarking on a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting program at the University of Southern California (USC), confirmed his enrollment through a social media post, expressing excitement about the new chapter in his life. Watts shared her thoughts with followers, candidly admitting her emotional struggle as she left Sasha, tagged with a picture of him among his packed bags. This moment of transition followed an earlier graduation ceremony, signifying the evolving relationship between parents and their children as they take on new responsibilities and challenges. Watts isn't alone in her experience; other parents in the public eye have expressed similar sentiments regarding their children heading off to college. Lauren Sánchez Bezos felt emotions run high as she prepared to send her son, Evan, away for college as well. Like Watts, she openly communicated her excitement tinged with anxiety about this significant life change. Julie Bowen, also experiencing the transition of motherhood, shared her feelings about her son Oliver heading to the University of Oregon, showcasing a blend of pride and concern for his future. It is evident that these milestones evoke a universal response among parents, reflecting the mixed feelings that accompany a child's independent journey into higher education. These emotional instances highlight the often-overlooked psychological toll of transitioning for both parents and children during such pivotal times. As children leave their homes in pursuit of higher education, the challenges are not merely related to academics but encompass the emotional and psychological adjustments to separation. Parents, who have spent years nurturing and preparing their children for this moment, must now navigate their feelings of loss while simultaneously taking pride in their offspring's accomplishments. This experience serves as an important reminder of the complexity of parenting and the inevitable changes that accompany a child’s development into adulthood. Furthermore, the public reactions from these celebrities shed light on the common experiences shared by parents everywhere, regardless of their social status. By sharing their stories, they remind others that feelings of heartache, pride, and anxiety are all natural responses to a child embarking on their college journey. With social media providing a platform for real-time reflection, many parents find solace in knowing they are not alone in these emotional transitions.