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Coping with Empty Nest Syndrome: 9 Strategies That Work
Embrace a New Chapter and Find Joy After Your Children Move Out
When your child leaves home, it can feel like a piece of your heart has gone with them. Here’s how to cope and find joy again…
Embrace Your Emotions
It’s okay to feel sad and proud at the same time.
Grieve the Change: It’s normal to miss them. Allow yourself to feel this. Just don’t turn their room into a shrine…yet.
Talk About It: Share your feelings with friends or a support group. Venting over coffee can be surprisingly therapeutic.
Journal: Write down your thoughts to process them better. You never know, you might have the next bestseller on your hands.
Jane, a mom from Ohio, found solace in her garden. “When my daughter left for college, I felt lost. Gardening became my therapy. Now, our family has fresh vegetables, and I have a new passion!”
Stay Connected
You can still stay close, even from afar.
Regular Calls: Cherish the times they call. Share your day and listen to theirs. Just don’t start every call with, “Why don’t you call more often?”
Write Letters: Letters can be a great way to express feelings. Plus, who doesn’t love getting mail that isn’t a bill?
Send Care Packages: Include their favorite snacks and little reminders of home. Throw in a silly note or two for good measure.
Mark sends his son, who attends college in a different state, weekly care packages filled with homemade cookies and funny comic strips. “It’s our way of staying close and sharing a laugh, even from miles away,” he says.
Find New Routines
Fill the void with new activities.
New Hobbies: Start that hobby you’ve always wanted to try. Who knows, you might be the next Picasso.
Volunteer: Helping others can lift your spirits. Plus, you get to be the superhero in someone else’s story.
Exercise: Physical activity boosts mood and health. And hey, maybe it’s time to dust off those old rollerblades.
Reconnect with Yourself
Now is the time to focus on you.
Self-Care: Treat yourself to something special. A spa day, a good book, or binge-watching that TV series everyone’s talking about.
Learn Something New: Take a class or workshop. It’s never too late to learn how to salsa dance or make sushi.
Travel: Explore new places and get a fresh perspective. Even if it’s just the next town over, adventure awaits!
Lean on Your Support System
Don’t go through this alone.
Family and Friends: Spend time with loved ones for support. Organize a game night and show off your unbeatable Scrabble skills.
Support Groups: Join groups for parents dealing with empty nest syndrome. You’ll find plenty of folks who get what you’re going through.
Expert Insight: Dr. Emily Parker, a psychologist specializing in family dynamics, says, “Connecting with others who are going through the same experience can provide immense emotional support and practical advice.”
Encouragement for New Relationships
Use this time to strengthen other relationships.
Reconnect with Your Spouse: Plan date nights and rediscover each other.
Build Friendships: Reach out to old friends or make new ones. Social connections are vital for well-being.
Family Bonding: Spend more time with other family members. Rekindle connections that might have taken a back seat.
Celebrate Their Journey
Be proud of their accomplishments.
Take Pride: Celebrate their bravery and achievements. You raised an awesome human being—take a bow!
Mark Milestones: Celebrate their milestones with joy. Virtual parties are a thing now, and they’re actually pretty fun.
Plan Visits
Look forward to seeing them.
Visit When Possible: Plan trips to see them. Make it an adventure and explore their new town together.
Celebrate Special Occasions: Make holidays and special occasions together. Nothing beats a family reunion filled with laughter and pie.
If the initial coping strategies don’t work, here’s what to do next.
Look for Signs: If you notice persistent sadness or anxiety, it might be time to seek additional help.
Seek Professional Help: Therapists and counselors can provide guidance and support. Don’t hesitate to reach out.
Resource List
Provide additional resources for support and information.
“How to Survive the Empty Nest Phase” - Book by Pamela Fariole
Websites: Empty Nest Support (www.emptynestsupport.com), Parents of College Students (www.parentsofcollegestudents.com).
Support Groups: Local community centers, online forums, and social media groups.
Coping with your child leaving home is hard, but with these steps, you can find new joys and stay connected. Remember, you’re not alone in this—and there’s always room for laughter.
TLDR: Key Takeaways
Embrace Your Emotions: It’s okay to miss them and feel proud. No need to be a superhero all the time.
Stay Connected: Use calls, letters, and care packages. Be their biggest fan from afar.
Find New Routines: Start new hobbies, volunteer, and exercise. Rediscover yourself.
Reconnect with Yourself: Focus on self-care, learning, and travel.
Lean on Support: Spend time with loved ones and join support groups. You’re not alone.
Celebrate Their Journey: Be proud and celebrate their milestones.
Plan Visits: Look forward to and plan visits. Reunions are the best.
Follow-Up Strategies: Seek professional help if needed. Don’t hesitate to ask for support.
Encouragement for New Relationships: Strengthen bonds with your spouse, friends, and family.
This post is inspired by Reddit user r37n1w’s question
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