The concept of empty nest syndrome is pretty well known.
But what exactly does it mean for parents, and how are they supposed to cope with it if it strikes?
So, what is empty nest syndrome?
Empty nest syndrome is the feeling of sadness, loneliness, loss, or worry when a child leaves the family home for the first time.
The feeling can manifest itself in lots of different ways in a variation of intensities depending on who is experiencing them.
Empty nest syndrome tends to be brought on by the realisation that a child doesn’t need to be looked after anymore and the pain associated with knowing that the child will no longer be under your care.
Does it happen to every parent?
No, it doesn’t.
For some parents, their child leaving home can be one of the most freeing things that’s ever happening to them… and then for others, it can make them feel truly awful.
The important thing to remember though is that whatever way you feel, your emotions are still valid. There’s no right or wrong way to feel.
How can you cope with empty nest syndrome?
One of the most important things to do is keep busy.
Make plans for the future, invite friends over, and regain your independence.
According to the Mayo Clinic, acceptance is also key – and so is keeping in touch with your child.
They say that living apart from your children doesn’t have to mean that you’re no longer close. A great relationship can still be maintained through dinners, drinks, coffee catchups, and regular phone calls.
Is it preventative?
Is it possible to prevent your child from leaving the family home?
No, it isn’t. Children need to leave the home in order to grow independently, and whether that happens at 16, 18, 25, or 30, chances are that it probably will and all parents need to be prepared for that day.
Although, that doesn’t mean that empty nest syndrome needs to take over your life or that you’re going to spend the rest of your days feeling sad and alone.
If you think these kinds of feelings are going to strike, you probably won’t be able to stop them in their tracks.
Instead, let them happen, allow yourself to feel sad, and then busy yourself with plans for the future.
At the end of the day, your nest being empty doesn’t necessarily need to be a bad thing.
