How have you delat with the "empty nest" syndrome? In a few more years my kids will be moving out and I'm not sure how I would handle it.
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pretty in pink
ANSWERS: 9
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Get a hobby, a job, go back to school, take lessons in something...DO SOMETHING to change your focus, so you are not too depressed. It gets better. I can relate, believe me!
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When my youngest son left for the Navy, I got myself a dog, then another dog. However, my Grandkids from my oldest son soon moved in with me, because they are going to school near here, and now my youngest son has moved back in with his partner, and they now have a two week old baby. They brought along her rabbit and hamster, so, empty nest - goodby - Hello full house.
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Celebrate! You have raised self-reliant children who have gone to make their own way in the world and you should be proud. Time for you now.
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Thanks for the positive way of looking at it! I will of course try to do that but it will still be an adjustment.
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It's definitely a shock to be an empty-nester and you're smart to think about it ahead of time. One thing I did when the rooms were empty was change them. One became a library and the other became a guest room with entirely different furniture. I did this over a period of time since I didn't have the bucks to make an instant conversion. It was a great project though, and turned the home into a reflection of who I am NOW. Also, I didn't have to walk by those rooms and mourn my loss! Then I started remembering all of the things I'd thought about doing and couldn't because the kids came first. Travelling during the school year! Eating foods I liked and they didn't! Taking exercise classes after work instead of rushing home to prepare meals! I'm sure there are plenty of things like that you have thought of over the years. It is an adjustment, but it grows on you!
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I was just about to ask this same question and found this answer. My son is 19 next week and has passed his driving test today. I feel happy for him but sad for me, as I feel it's a step further away from mummy. It's especially hard because when I move away he is staying here and so is his younger brother, with their father. I know they will be loved and well cared for but I feel like I've been mourning them for the last two years as I've prepared for this event. Some days it really gets me down. Today I'm afraid is just one of those days.
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Remember before you had kids. . . What was your passion? What was your goal for your life? What did you want to do that you have not done in your life? Make a list, organize it as to what to do first, next, etc., and when that last kids moves out get started on your list. Before you know it one or more of those kids will either 1) move back home or 2) bring you a grandchild and your time will no longer be your own again. Good luck.
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I have some close friends that dealt with that about 5 years ago, when the last of 2 daughters went off to college... The live in a pretty nice suburb house in S.C. That same year they decided things were pretty boring... They then opened up a collegiate store in the mall... They had great success and them two more stores followed.. The great thing is, that the stores were such a success that the daughters are running the other two stores.. Granted, that didn't get them back in the house... But Mom and Dad, within 3 years built their dream home on the water and both drive the Lexus they wanted... and they get to see the kids, and recent grandkid.. pretty often.. Just look for something to occupy your time.. Chase old dreams that you let go of... Try to stay in their life as much as possible, without being a "nag", of course. Don't worry, it will all pan out.. Just occupy yourself, even doing something for charity, volunteering in things.. Whatever helps fill that void.. Good Luck
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Go ahead and start finding a new hobby now. Maybe you can't get into it full swing, but it will make the transition easier. My last child went to college this year and it has been tough. You've know nothing differnt for the last 18 years. Now you get to do things for you.
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