Empty Nest syndrome refers to the sadness that many parents feel when their children go home. This condition is usually more common in women who have previously had the role of primary care provider. In contrast to the sadness that is experienced when (for example) a beloved dies, the sorrow of empty nest syndrome is often not recognized, because an adult child moving out of the house is seen as a normal, healthy event.
Sending children to university or being to the real world in the real world is usually a proud time for parents. But there can also be sadness, especially when the last child leaves the house. Empty nest syndrome is not a clinical diagnosis. Instead, it is a phenomenon in which parents experience feelings of sadness and loss when the last child leaves the house.
It is common for parents to let go of a painful experience – even if they encourage their children to be independent. Parents may find it difficult not to have children at home who need their care. They might be part of the daily lives of their children and their constant company. Parents with only one child or those who strongly identify with their role as a parent may have a hard time adjusting.
Empty Nest syndrome can affect both parents, but mothers seem to be the most susceptible. Many mothers may have devoted 20 years or more of their lives to raising their children and seeing motherhood as their primary role. This even applies to most working mothers.
Advantages for empty litterers
No matter how difficult the change is, having an empty nest can bring benefits for parents. Recent studies suggest that an empty nest can reduce work and family conflicts. Having an empty nest also gives parents a new chance to make contact with each other again, improve the quality of their marriage and to reinstall the interests with a new era.
Advice for the transition
Here are four tips if you experience feelings of loss as a result of empty nest syndrome:
Accept the timing: avoid comparing your child’s timetable with your own experience or expectations. Instead, concentrate on what you can do to help your children succeed when they leave the house.
Keep in contact: you can stay close to your children after they have left the house, thanks to phone calls, e -mails, text messages, video chats and personal visits.
Search support: tend to be loved for support. Share your feelings. Consult your health care team if you feel depressed.
Stay positive: think of the extra time and energy that you must devote to your marriage or personal interests.
Plan in advance
If a child has moved and others still live with you, plan in advance for the day that your nest of all children is empty. Small changes that have been made over time mean less a shock when your last child moves. With thought and careful planning, you can find that the opportunity of your last child who leaves home will also offer a bit of luck, as you can then implement your plans for an independent life with your partner.
If your last child will soon leave home, plan ahead to keep the empty nest syndrome at bay. Look for new opportunities in your personal and professional life. Put busy whether new challenges at work or at home can relieve the feeling of loss.
