It’s time for your child (or children) to leave home to study, probably in another city, far away from you…and now?
Empty nest syndrome is what parents feel children they leave the family home and start their adult lives.
It’s not a mental health problem that requires diagnosis, but it’s a very common occurrence. OR emotional disturbance Parental experiences can lead to greater mental health issues and even symptoms in our bodies.
A large part of the identity is often defined by the role of parent. And suddenly that role is limited and the mother or father has an “existential crisis” because almost everything in their daily life changes.
Parents usually experience a sense of loss and sadness during this transition period when a child leaves home. They feel more anxiety, loneliness, rejection, even fear and helplessness.
These feelings are more intense for some people, such as menopausal women, single parents (due to death or divorce) and, of course, parents with only one child.
Of course, not every child grows up and leaves home at the same time or for the same reasons. But whatever happens, you have to be prepared and keep your cool.
How to deal with empty nest syndrome
Accept and prepare
It can be very easy to deny. But it will be harder for you to avoid accepting the inevitable.
Accepting it won’t make it easier all of a sudden, but at least you’ll be prepared for what happens next and you’ll be better able to deal with it.
Remind yourself that even if the child leaves home, you are still their parent. Your child may be growing up, but they still need you in a different way.
Don’t hide your feelings
Pretending you’re not upset can make empty nest syndrome even more difficult because you’ll have to deal with all the bad feelings on your own.
Talk openly with your child and even with other members of your family. Express your sadness and how much you will be missed without shame.
Of course, you can also contact the already ex-parents and they will understand you.
Seeing people who have gone through a similar situation, you can more easily understand that this is a transition and a new phase of your life.
Rejoice in all that you have achieved
The process of moving a child from home is full of chores and responsibilities. In the midst of everything you have to do (moving, cleaning, etc.), you can forget what empty nest syndrome actually symbolizes.
What is important and you should not forget that your child has grown up properly and is now ready and independent to start his life with the funds you have given him.
Recognize your achievements! This is, of course, an important victory for the children’s personality itself, but you played the biggest role in it.
Start or create something new!
Your nest isn’t empty… it’s time to repair or fill it!
Either you can make changes in your home or start new activity.
Both will help you to occupy yourself with something and forget about it.
Finding meaningful activities to do in your free time is a really important way to cope during times of uncertainty and transition.
While this is an exciting new beginning for your child, it can also be an exciting time for you.
Don’t blame your child
Communication is key. But it’s also important to pay attention to what you talk to your child about and how you do it. Moreover, they have their own feelings. They deal with their own worries, stress and fears, because remember, it’s a big change for kids too.
You have to be very careful that they don’t feel that they are carrying the burden of their parents’ pain or that they are guilty of something bad.