It has been every two years now..going through this and now i have two more years to go before my nest is completely empty. My two young men have left and now my 16 year old daughter will be leaving soon..Well I had an episode just recently...and of course my daughter was just away for the weekend..but i felt weird at home alone...I didnt know what to do with myself...I've always been so busy with the kids having all kinds of events and activities to attend..well that has decreased tremendously...I feel like I worry more when their not there with me...Does it get better or will it get worse...?
2006-09-03 04:12:09 · 9 answers · asked by stag4_2000 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
Heck, I've gone through similar feelings when a weekend guest leaves.
Of COURSE it feels strange, when you're used to having kids around all the time.
I agree with those who suggest beginning to plan for this now. Start thinking about things that you've always wished you had time to do, things you've always liked or been interested in.
You are going to have time to do what you want to do. This is a Good Thing (though it feels strange, at first).
Think about ways you can contribute -- like some of the volunteer suggestions other have given. There are a lot of people doing good things, and they need all the help they can get. You have a lot of relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities you can put to good use.
Think about things you'd like to learn about -- there's a whole World Wide Web of information, not to mention more books than anyone could possibly read.
What hobbies, arts or crafts, or other fun things appeal to you?
What friends do you have that you've never had enough time for?
Do you know of other people whose kids are also going to be going away soon? You'll all be able to spend time together, hanging out and doing fun things.
As for worrying more about the kids, this will fade. Although you'll always worry about them, over time, without having them there, and not being involved in their daily lives, and having things in your life that aren't about them, as well as seeing that they're doing fine on their own, the worrying will grow less.
2006-09-03 06:37:30 · answer #1 · answered by tehabwa 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it will get better over time as you find things to fill in the empty places for me it is going back to college and spending time with my nieces and nephews. I have one bird leaving in December and I still have two years with my youngest but I have gone through a depression even though I knew the day would come it just feels to soon sometimes but like I said staying busy has helped me a lot .
2006-09-03 12:21:51 · answer #2 · answered by lady day 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Violet has some good points. Let's face it, YOU ARE AT YOUR PRIME. Sounds like you don't need money, so volunteer to tutor or mentor students at the local school. There are always senior citizen groups who need volunteers. If you are a strong woman, there are rape advocacy groups, battered women's shelters, homeless shelters.
If you need an income, find a job you like. Teachers and assistants are always needed. After-school programs too.
Hey, if none of that sounds good, the library is a wonderful place. Just 2 days ago, I found they have a large-print section even at my local branch library. I've been getting Readers Digest Large Print for several years now.
GOOD LUCK AND GOD BLESS
2006-09-03 11:24:02 · answer #3 · answered by snvffy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It will get as bad as you let it get. Sorry to be blunt. But you need some truth. A reality check. You are going to be on your own more, so you need to plan for that. Don't sleep walk into it and let yourself walk into walls that don't have to be there. If you are smart enough and tough enough to raise so many good kids, you are certainly smart enough to plan for this transition in your life. Be young again! Take a chance! So something. It will make the change a lot more fun.
2006-09-03 11:15:33 · answer #4 · answered by Isis 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good news and bad! You will adjust, and it becomes wonderful spending time just for you, spending time doing things with your spouse that you two haven't been able to do together with no kids.
Now the bad news, your opening the door to a whole new set of problems. It seems that you worry about the kids a whole lot more!
Hoping and praying that they make good decisions, and continue to go in the right direction that you have tried to teach them.
2006-09-03 11:25:00 · answer #5 · answered by bugoff26 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i dont know what that would be like as mine are still teens, but i can surely understand as i've spent time away from the kids and after the first day, i'm ready to go back! lol....
check out http://www.volunteermatch.com (or org)? and see if there are any places you can volunteer your time, preferrably with children.
of course there are many other things you can do as far as hobbies to help take up some time and then you can look foward to grandkids!
good luck to you!
2006-09-03 14:05:54 · answer #6 · answered by giggling.willow 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It does get better, but it takes time. My oldest daughter just had our first grandchild so that helps fill the empty nest. Good Luck.
2006-09-04 03:37:01 · answer #7 · answered by hollywood 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are MANY children in foster care who need loving homes. Have you ever considered becoming a foster parent?
2006-09-03 23:40:42 · answer #8 · answered by dmommab@sbcglobal.net 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you will be fine. its a small adjustment to make. don't forget, soon you will probably be a grandma and wil be babysitting and doting all over a new grand baby.
2006-09-03 11:59:56 · answer #9 · answered by all8upchamp 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋