I am also only mom to a five year old boy who is still connected at the hip, but I have brothers and I can assure you this is totally normal. My younger brother not only ate us out of house and home at that age, but also didn't get sick as much as I did, and I was the finicky eater. I hope you know this is normal. I'm sure your mother's heart is just being torn as you watch your boy move away from you; but the good news is, if you support him, don't try to control him too much (within reason, as you still have the upper hand to discipline), and just love him most of all; then he will likely return to you after the hormones loosen their grip a bit My brother is right back to loving his momma and treating her and taking her places. He's almost 24 now.