How To Deal With Empty Nest Syndrome?

Empty nest syndrome is about the feelings of loss and emptiness that a parent can experience when a child leaves their childhood home. In this article, we will explain how to deal with empty nest syndrome in the best possible way.

What does empty nest syndrome mean?

Some parents suffer from empty nest syndrome as their children grow up and move out of their childhood homes. The phenomenon is associated with feelings of emptiness and sadness, and in some cases can even lead to depression. Women are more likely to suffer from this syndrome than men. Empty nest syndrome is not an official medical diagnosis.

Psychotherapist and social worker Amy Morin explains that parents with the syndrome may feel a deep sense of emptiness in their lives and feel lost. The feelings experienced by parents can also affect their children’s lives, for example by interfering with the child’s independence and self-determination.

Origin and symptoms of the syndrome

According to the American Psychiatric Association, one of the most common causes of empty nest syndrome is the divergent relationship between parent and child. If the parent and child have a bad relationship, empty nest syndrome can make the situation worse.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, symptoms of the syndrome include:

• Sadness
• Feeling of loss
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Loneliness
• Feeling of emptiness

5 Ways to Treat Empty Nest Syndrome

1. Keep in touch with your child

Thanks to technological advances, the world today is small and family members can stay in touch with each other wherever they are. Today, communication is becoming easier with a variety of devices and applications.

2. Create a schedule for communication

Everyone lives their own life. If your child is moving away from home, you can set up a schedule for contact. Respect each other’s time and take the time to communicate.

3. Motivate yourself and look for new challenges

Parenting is one of the hardest things in life. If you want to feel whole again, be open to new challenges and adventures. For example, you can start studying or start a new hobby.

4. Keep yourself busy

Children are a huge part of their parents ’lives and they largely determine their parents’ lifestyle and daily routines. After children move from home, parents may feel lonely. Find out what you need and look for something new for yourself. Keep yourself active, exercise, get involved in your community, and keep in touch with your friends.

5. Spend time with your partner

Parents now have the opportunity to get the relationship to ignite a new flame. Once children have moved out of their childhood home, parents have the opportunity to spend more time together. Enjoy your life as a couple and plan dating nights or trips – just dedicate time to each other.

Even if your child becomes independent, you are still his or her parent. So remember to be there for him when he needs you. It is still good for the child to know that as a parent you are always his support.