Strategies to overcome that your children no longer live at home

It is known as the empty nest and many parents suffer when their children no longer live at home. They feel empty, out of place, and sad. They think that their reason for living leaves through the door of the house. But nothing is further from reality, if this happens to you, you are still a father or mother and your children, even if they are creating another home, will need you close by.

Many people forget that they were a couple and only became parents. It is normal in a way, since when you have children at home, life revolves around them … once they leave, it is difficult to adapt to life without the children at home. Parents have to go through a difficult transition and experience empty nest syndrome.

THE EMPTY NEST SYNDROME

Empty nest syndrome refers to the feelings of sadness and loss that some parents experience when their last child leaves the family home. Although there is no official clinical diagnosis, the problem remains very real. Parents with empty nest syndrome experience a deep emptiness in their lives and often feel a little lost. They may also find it difficult to allow their adult children to have autonomy, as it is difficult for them to let them go.

There are couples who have higher conflicts between them when they experience the empty nest syndrome and this can generate feelings of loneliness and anguish. There are some things you can do to treat this problem, especially if you feel very sad that your children are leaving home. These strategies will help you cope better.

IDENTIFY YOUR CURRENT ROLE

There is no such important role as that of father or mother, but you can be sure that you will never stop exercising that role, even if your children are not at home , even if you do not talk to them every day. But now, you will have to identify the new roles that you want to have in this new stage of life for everyone.

You can be a volunteer in a solidarity association, you can work harder on that project that you always put aside, you can study something new … you choose. Now you will have more free time and you can explore the activities that give meaning and purpose to your life.

CONNECT WITH YOUR PARTNER AGAIN

You may focus on how your life will change when your child leaves and you forget something important, how your life as a couple can improve significantly. Do you remember before having children when it was just you and your partner? The time has come to create more memories as a couple.

Take the time you need to travel as a couple without worries, without thinking about who will stay with the children. Plan date nights without babysitting and cook whatever meals you want without worrying about whether or not your kids might like it.

REDISCOVER YOUR INNER SELF

If before becoming a father or mother you had a hobby that you put aside to dedicate yourself to raising your children, the time has come to rediscover those tastes and interests of your own! An empty nest means you have the space and time to get back in touch with that side of you, whether it’s painting, creating music, or cooking.

With all your kid’s things out, now there is plenty of room to store the accessories of the things you love. Think about how you want to spend your time. Maybe you would like to resume a hobby or try something new. If you are not sure what you would like to do, choose a hobby and try it from scratch. If you find that it’s not for you, try something else. This is a good time to explore your interests.