Empty Nest Feelings?

Question

For those that have children leaving the home to take up their own lives. How are you handling the empty nest feelings you may have?

Answer 1

Well, my answer probably won't help too much because I am feeling so free, and content in my new life as an empty nester ... partly because I also have a new husband ....

But ... I also had to move 700 miles from where my kids and grandkids all live, and I sure do miss them. I have been away from them two years now (Youngest son was with me til recently tho).

Anyway ... I keep in contact with them over yahoo IM and email, on a frequent basis. We chat with webcam a lot. (I don't have a phone, or we would talk on phone a lot too.)

Also, I do projects for them, usually christmas things ... like felt decorations for christmas or other holidays, for their new homes, and new babies ... it keeps me feeling involved with them.

I also purchase things for them, usually small things, but things that I know they will like, and take them with me when i visit (usually every two months).

My best advice is ... take up new hobbies ... whether or not they are centered on your kids. And have a lot of contact.


When I left home, my mother started volunteering at local schools as a helper, to listen to kids read, and things like that ... you might consider some kind of volunteer work.

Answer 2

My 18 year old left to join the army and first I had such a hard time ! Like crying spells and wanting to knock on his door just to say good morning when he was not there! I just went to the community college and decided to take a few classes and i joined moms of the military support group and i just find errands to run and it helps when my plate is so full I hardly have time to dwell on the fact that someones missing from our tribe! But I get joy out of knowing that My son loves me and hes no longer a young boy but a young man that has his own goals that he wants to accomplish in life so I must respect that! When he calls me writes or emails me I am constantly reminded that although hes grown I'm always going to be mama and I am always gonna play an important part in his life!!!!

Answer 3

I think my mom had a nervous breakdown when my little brother moved off to college. She had never lived alone. middle kid of 7 and then moved in with her husband. She is now completely alone, b/c she is divorced. My brother and I were both in colleges w/in 2 hr drives, so we saw her at least every other week, but she was very unhappy. Felt like no one wanted her around.
Ways to cope:
go out and have fun
hang out with your friends
get a pet
if you're depressed, get medical help
if you're lonely, call up your h.s. friends and get together
volunteer for a good cause

Answer 4

At first I was depressed... then I realized... I enjoyed the quiet... I had ice cubes.. the washer was empty.. no dirty dishes.. my utility bills were a lot cheaper.. my food bill was cheaper.. etc etc.. I miss them.. and when they do come over their visits are much sweeter!! I love my alone time very much!!! & you will too!! Good Luck!!!