Empty nest syndrome is not a clinical diagnosis. It is simply a term used to describe the feelings of loneliness, loss, and sadness after children move out of the house.
This can be a difficult time for parents, as they suddenly have to adjust to life without their kids around. Guilt is also common because we WANT our children to be independent however, letting go can be difficult.
Empty nest syndrome often affects women more than men. This is because women are most often the primary caregivers in the home. In fact, empty nest syndrome is more common in stay-at-home parents. For many years, these parents’ lives have been determined by the needs of their children. With that need now gone, there is a void that is hard to fill.
The good news is that there are ways to handle this change and make the most of it. In this post, we discuss some tips for coping with empty nest syndrome.
The Benefits Of Having An Empty Nest
Although it can be tough to adjust to life without your children at home, there are also some wonderful benefits.
Firstly, you have more time and freedom to do things that you want to do. You can travel, pursue new hobbies and spend more time with your spouse or partner.
Additionally, you no longer have to worry about things like homework, bedtimes, and teenage drama. Instead, you can focus on enjoying your life and taking care of yourself.
How To Deal With Empty Nest Syndrome
There are a few things that you can do to deal with the fallout of an empty nest. If you are struggling to adjust to your new life without children in the house, here are a few tips that might help.
1. Stay Connected With Your Children
It is important to stay connected with your children. Even though they are not living at home, stay in touch with them through regular phone calls, text messages and on social media.
2. Talk To A Therapist
If you are struggling to cope with empty nest syndrome, it might be helpful to talk to a therapist. They can help you work through your feelings and give you strategies for dealing with this new phase of life.
3. Strengthen The Bond With Your Partner
This is a great time to strengthen the bond with your partner. You will have more free time, so focus on your relationship and spend more quality time together. Consider taking up new hobbies or activities together to bring you closer and ward off empty nest syndrome.
Try these fun activities to help you cope if you are struggling with empty nest syndrome.
- Travel with your spouse: This is a great way to spend more time together and create new memories.
- Pursue new hobbies: Now that you have more free time, you can focus on pursuits that you are passionate about.
- Enroll in cooking lessons: Learning how to cook can be a fun and rewarding experience. You could also try preserving food. Find lots of helpful and informative expert’s tips online at Besthomepreserving.com.
- Exercise: Exercise is a great way to improve your mental health and cope with stress. Plus you’ll look and feel a whole lot better as well!
4. Connect With Other Parents
It can be helpful to share your experiences with others who understand what you are going through. Know that you are not the only one struggling with this new phase of your life.
Many parents have difficulties with children leaving the house. It is great to have like-minded people around to help you cope with empty nest syndrome.
5. Reading Books Can Help You Deal With Empty Nesters Syndrome
Reading books is a good pastime if you are struggling with empty nest syndrome. It can help take your mind off things and provide you with new perspectives.
There are many books that can help you deal with the symptoms of having an empty nest. A few of these are:
- Empty Nesting: Reinventing Your Marriage When the Kids Leave Home
- Uncharted: A Couple’s Epic Empty-Nest Adventure Sailing from One Life to Another
- The Couple’s Activity Book: 70 Interactive Games to Strengthen Your Relationship (Relationship Books for Couples)
- Empty Nest: How to Survive and Stay Close to Your Adult Child
- The Quick Fix For Empty Nest Syndrome: Fast solutions for busy people
6. Find New Hobbies And Activities To Keep You Busy
This can help you fill the time that you would normally have spent with your kids. Consider taking up something you have always wanted to try such as painting, hiking, or some hobbies that make money.
Additionally, you can try to find ways to be more active to combat empty nest syndrome. This could involve joining a gym or going for walks in your neighborhood.
Look at joining social clubs or groups like touring bike groups. Doing things that make you happy will help you to adjust to this new stage in life.
7. Start Your Own Business
It might be time to start your own business! It could finally be time to take your experience and skills and get out there on your own business.
Perhaps you are a keen home brewer or you always wanted to start a bakery. Maybe you have a million-dollar idea that needs time and attention.
Nothing will take up as much time as being your own boss, and potentially nothing could be more rewarding. Consider getting a start-up business loan to get the ball rolling.
8. Freelancing and Consultancy
Take on some freelance or consultancy work to reduce the chance of empty nest syndrome.
It is a great way to keep yourself busy and earn some extra income. And, it’s a terrific way to meet new people and make some new friends.
So if you’re feeling a bit down about having an empty nest, consider freelancing or consultancy work as a way to deal with the change.
Who knows, you might even enjoy the freedom and flexibility that comes with working for yourself!
9. Vacations Relieve Empty Nest Syndrome
Another way to deal with empty nesters syndrome is to go on vacation. This can be a great way to get out of the house and explore new places.
It can also be a good opportunity to spend time with your spouse or partner and meet new people. If you are struggling to find things to keep you busy, then consider going on vacation.
10. Start A New Project
If you are looking for something to do, then consider starting a new project. This could be anything from starting a garden to renovating your home.
Starting a new project can help you to stay busy and give you a sense of accomplishment. It can also be a great way to meet new people. If you are struggling to find things to do, then consider starting a new project.
11. Volunteer
Volunteering is a top way to keep you busy, and let you help others. This is a great way to give back to your community and make a difference in the world.
There are many different ways to volunteer, so find an opportunity that fits your interests and skill set.
Conclusion
Empty nest syndrome can be a normal part of life as a parent. Just remember to give yourself some time to adjust and to find new hobbies and activities to keep you busy.
Additionally, stay connected with your children and connect with other parents who are going through the same thing. If you are struggling to cope, it might be helpful to talk to a therapist.
Finally, consider taking on some freelance or consultancy work, or volunteer in your community as a way to deal with the change.
My name is Andrea Thompson and I’m a home based freelance writer. I’m 23 years old, married to my best friend, and mother to a wonderfully independent and opinionated 3 year old girl and step-mother to a sweet seven year old boy. I live in a tiny, little town in Kentucky, where I spend my free time fishing with my kids.
Writing has always been my passion, which I followed through high school, and for a while in college. Life happened, and once I discovered we were pregnant, I switched directions; opting for the healthcare industry because of the stability.
Finally, years later, I was in a place where I could leave the day job that never truly made me happy, and pursue my dreams. I’ve built, and am still building, my writing career from scratch. But, I’m passionate and I’m good at what I do. And, in the end, I can prove to my daughter that she can do anything she wants with this life.
