How to Adjust to Empty Nest Syndrome

If you are a parent, sooner or later you will have to deal with the concept of "Empty Nest Syndrome." Empty Nest Syndrome refers to the state of mind, emotionally and or psychologically that parents may experience as their children grow up, go away to school, and or move out of the family home. If there is only one child in the family, this can at times have a devastating effect upon the family. Women tend to experience the feelings more so than their male counterpart. Since more women work today the effects may not be as strong as they used to be with previous generations when most women were stay at home moms. So what is a parent to do and what is the best way to adjust to empty nest syndrome?

Though a child leaving home is an exciting experience for all involved, it can also be stressful. Parents should be as supportive as possible encouraging their children to pursue their educational and career goals. It is not productive for the child leaving home to be worried about the parent. Parents should make it a point to put up a strong and supportive attitude for the children leaving home as they plan their departure. This will not only set the children up for success, but will also help the parents. Don't lay guilt trips on yourself or your children. If there are other children in the family, you also want to continue to pay equal attention to that child or children. They are just as important as the child leaving the nest.

There are a couple of different approaches that can be used to help adjust to empty nest syndrome. Create new family rituals among your family members that are designed to include the family member leaving home. If the child is moving far away from home, make it a family affair to create unique care packages to send to him or her. Let the children at home take part in this activity. Make the packages so that the child receives a part of home, and receives items that encourage his or her new growth and development. Phone cards are also great to include even though most people today have cell phones. Things happen, so always provide a way for the child to call home. Plan to visit the child at school as a family. Confirm the date with him or her so that it won't interfere with his academic or personal schedule. Respect the fact that they are grown and are living a student life. The realistic realization that the child is grown should help parents adjust to empty nest syndrome.

Another great approach for parents to adjust to empty nest syndrome is the realization of the time that they now have for themselves. This is particularly true if you have an only child, or a large gap between children. Most children live lives inundated with extra curricular activities. This should free up a lot of time in your life to pursue hobbies, classes, or other activities you have not had time to pursue. If however you find you are making no progress in your feelings of sadness or depression, you might consider visiting with a therapist who might provide other tools to assist during the adjustment period of empty nest syndrome.