Empty Nest Syndrome refers to feelings of depression,
sadness and/or grief that are experienced by parents when the children become
of age to leave their childhood home. This can occur when children leave to
attend college or get married. Women appear to have more difficulty with this
transition than men but both have similar feeling of loss after the departure
of their children.
Parent-child
relationship
Empty Nest Syndrome is most common in the autumn when
teenagers leave for college. It can also happen when a child gets married.
Matrimony is a permanent launching stating parents are no longer needed as they
were before. Research suggests that the quality of the parent-child
relationship may have important consequences during this transition. The
parents are now able to develop a friendship with the young adult which can
reduce the conflict experienced in the developmental years. This new bond will
also provide support for the parents when they face the health concerns of the
elderly.
Parents should prepare for the empty nest while their
children are still living at home. They can make specific plans for their extra
time, money and space that will be available when the children are no longer
dependent on you. Feelings of sadness are normal at this time. It you feel that
you no longer have purpose, experience excessive crying or unable to perform
your daily routine you should seek professional help.
A time of transition
A positive perspective at this time of your life is vital to
the transition. Adjust your new role in your child’s life. The relationship now
becomes more peer like as you give your child independence. You can schedule a
weekly call-in time, email and text message things you’d like to share
in-between visits.
Once you can look at this second half of your life as a new
opportunity you will feel younger, be financially stronger, and have more time
for friends, hobbies and your partner. Time and energy can now be spent in
different areas of your life as you work together to turn the second half of
your life into a time of discovery and joy.
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