Ways To Deal With Empty-Nest Syndrome: Part 2
In our previous post, we gave you a few tips for battling empty-nest syndrome, which is a lot more common than you may think. The feeling of grief and loneliness can be downright terrifying for some parents. Luckily, we have a few more ways to cope with the sad days following your kiddos departure.
Adopt new challenges. Now is the perfect time to tackle that goal or take up that hobby that you always dreamt about. Over the years you’ve most likely found yourself getting passionate about something that you didn’t have the time for. Well, there is no time like the present. Maybe it was running a road race or volunteering for a charity. Whatever the case, make a move to tackle some goals that will help you start your latest interest. One piece of advice is to not make any major life-altering decisions during the first six months that your child is out of the house. It may take that long to settle into life in your own space, and you may need to endure an emotional roller coaster ride before you are at a peaceful place and able to make solid decisions.
Monitor your check-ins. This may be the hardest on your list of coping with empty-nest syndrome items. And for good reason because you’ve been in the loop on everything your child has been doing for the past 18 years. You’ve grown accustomed to juggling their schedule with your own and monitoring their every move. Now is the time to let them grow and gain some independence so they feel safe without you by their side at all times. If you continuously check their social media accounts and call or text often, you may want to slow down. By letting up on the contact with your kid, you are allowing yourself a better chance to grow and embrace your life alone or with a spouse. There is a fine line between constant check-ins and staying up to date on your child’s life. It may help to schedule a regular time to have a weekly chat with your child.
Watching your kiddos leave the nest is a major life change. Considering you’ve been under the same roof as them for the last 18 years, you are likely to experience a feeling of loss when they head off to college, however; that doesn’t mean that your life is over. In some sense, your life just might be beginning.
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