It’s back to school time and that might mean you are sending your youngest child off to college. If so, congratulations! Bask in a job well done! Unfortunately, many times we feel more lost than proud – so here are a few ways to cope and even bloom as you join the empty nest club.
Recognize that Empty Nest Syndrome is real.
Many parents experience emotional turmoil at watching kids leave home. This can be personal – loneliness, loss of purpose and sadness. However, It can also be more directed at your kids in the form or worry or anxiety for them and their success. The reality is that your kids still need you!! Just in a different capacity. Don’t try to micromanage their lives, but still be available for questions and support. I know amazing moms who have kids who call every day and others who have kids who never call. Regardless of where your kids fall in this spectrum, they will appreciate care packages and encouraging texts – and at least a little of the time you used to spend doing things for them at home can be redirected to this long distance support role. I noticed with my own kids that they call more when they don’t have a very good social support system. So, if you don’t hear from them, it could be a positive sign!!
Reconnect with your partner if you have one.
Our oldest daughter was born only a year and half after my husband and I got married, so we didn’t have much time with just the two of us. It’s been so fun to have more “us” time now that the kids are gone. Date nights can happen any day of the week. We get out for walks every day together and plan new adventures for the future. Here we are less than a month after dropping our youngest off at college exploring New York City!
You may have to reallocate household chores with a transitioning household and good communication can help with that. Make time to be together and appreciate why you got together in the first place.
Discover New Interests and Hobbies
My husband teases me about how excited I get when he’s going to be gone. I LOVE spending time with him – but if he is going to be gone I love to use the time SEWING. It’s been so fun to learn more about this craft I love. This is me modeling one of the first shirts I sewed after becoming an empty nester. What gets you excited? You know there is a YouTube video that will help you learn more about that! There are so many resources to learn more about your passions – get started! Sometimes I get so excited about my sewing projects I don’t want to sleep….
Take Care of Yourself
I don’t think it’s coincidence that we finish raising our children about the time that our bodies need extra care and attention. So, take the time. Exercise. Eat well. Do your preventive care. Go to therapy. Whatever you need to do to enjoy life with your loved ones for the next few decades.
Take Care of Others
Looking for ways to help those around you can make the transition to an empty nest easier. Check out this article on volunteering. This time of year you might want to support others (grandchildren, friends, nieces and nephews?) as they go back to school. Donate to an organization that provides grants to teachers. Take a meal to a young mom. Drop off fun after-school snacks to your favorite school-age child. Send a care package to your college students.
Don’t worry! Life without kids in your home can be fun!! Follow along with us, and comment below with things that have helped you!
Leave a Reply