How To Handle The Syndrome Common To Empty Nesters

By Robert King


A parent's main goal is to raise their children to one day leave home and become responsible, productive citizens. They go through many things, some right and some wrong, to achieve that goal. But, ultimately, when that happens, many parents dread the time. They do not relish becoming empty nesters. This just means their home is empty of children. Though is should be a happy time, it is not always that way.

Parents should be able to be proud of their children at this tie, instead of facing an emptiness and feelings of grief. These children are beginning their own life, using the skills their parents have imparted to them. This should be a time for pride in the skills these children have. They can anticipate a successful life for the children in which they can be proud.

These feelings of sadness are quite normal, and should be faced instead of denied. Though you experience happiness for your child, you may still feel some sadness. Admit that and seek professional if the feelings seem overwhelming and hard to handle.

Try to think back to things that you enjoyed before you ever had the first child. Many of these things have not been available to you since having children. You are free to now go back and do those things. If no longer enjoy them, find something else you do enjoy.

You can not pursue new things that are fun for you, and maybe a little on the dangerous side. It may be you always wanted to skydive or zip line. Now you can. You can start a new hobby. You are no longer responsible for a small child, so can do those things. Seek them out and do them with not guilt.

You may have had to let your career go on hold to meet family obligations when you had children. You can now put your career first. You can travel for work, if that is something you would like to do. You can even take the chance now to start a new career, as there is less family responsibility if it doesn't work out, or if the income is lower.

Travel, which is so hard when you have children is now possible. You can travel across the country or even internationally, if you choose. RV living is also now possible. If retired, you have no time restraints. Keep you identification with you and you can qualify for special senior prices and programs. You have unlimited possibilities now, with no children to consider.

You are now free to downsize your home and live in different arrangement, either a swanky one, or a cheaper, smaller one. If you want to live on the beach, or in the mountains, or wherever, you are now free to do that, as you don't have to worry about being close to schools and doctors and such. You also don't need as large a house, so can get a more luxurious smaller one that may be something you have always wanted.




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