If you've recently sent a child off to college, you may be experiencing something very odd...something you haven't experienced in, oh, 18 years. Quiet. Cleanliness.
But that may be paired with some things that aren't so great..like the feeling of loneliness or even feeling like you're not needed or wanted.
You may have empty nest syndrome. And it's no surprise, that maternal bond is super strong and when you find yourself suddenly without your child, it's a tough feeling to get used to.
Here are some links I love to help you deal and find the bright side of it:
5 ways to conquer empty nest syndrome. — Let Life In
Even celebs are worried about their kids flying the nest. — Celeb Baby
One mom's story of having empty nest syndrome and how she dealt with it. — Parents
An empty nest doesn't have to be a bad thing. — Parent Dish
Try doing all the things you wanted to do pre-baby. — Lil Sugar
The kids have been gone and you're finally used to it. But due to this recession, should you worry about them coming back? — Yahoo! Shine
Have you dealt with empty nest syndrome? What are some ways you handled it?
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Comments (1)
I remember always wanting silence, time for JUST ME, and then when I hugged my daughter goodbye at the college dorm, I sobbed leaning into the window sky of the airplane back home. Once a mom, dad, always a parent but wow our role changes as does theirs. Who are we beyond parenting? How do we build a new community since the school days of our social life are over? What new meaning do we want to explore? We get to try something and change our minds. Feel your feelings whenever and wherever is my motto...you loved and cared for the sweeties for decades so why wouldn't you be sad when you miss someone you love. I asked myself what relationships do I want to spend time with, say bye bye, or make a change in order to grow them, how much time do I spend feeding my intellect, healthy, fun time, spirituality, finances, career, partner, extended family,? This gave me a quick overview. Reminder to myself and other parents, no matter how far , what age, love wins. We get to love our children. They appreciate us. .To all of us on the journey of transitioning, let's pass the
kleenex and the suitcase to have some fun. Natalie Caine Founder Empty Nest Support Services.