When Back to School Rimes With Empty Nest

As parents, we know; when children are at home, they’re noisy, they come home late, leave a mess everywhere, they cost a fortune in food, etc., and sometimes we catch ourselves wishing that they would have their own apartment so we can find peace. However, when this wish comes true or they leave the nest to study in another city, their departure leaves a gaping hole in the house. Suddenly, the house resonates with a silence that is hard to fill, we are anxious to know if our babies are well and we have a surplus of food and time that we don’t know what to do with.

Although we all know that this day will eventually come, there is really no way to prepare for the wave of emotions and the multitude of adjustments in our daily habits that come with it. We are talking about a possible identity crisis, sadness, or even grief and loneliness from seeing our little ones fly on their own, etc.

How to Adapt to Your New Reality

• Don’t stay alone. It’s important not to feel lonely. Visit your family and friends more often.

• Express yourself. Talk about your feelings with your partner or your friend (s).

• Accept your new reality and stay positive. Know that it's not because your chicks have left the nest that you stop being a parent. And believe me, it’s often when they fly on their own that they realize how much they need us. It may take some time, but eventually almost all call home for little things like recipes or advise.

• Learn to communicate differently. Our youngsters tend to favour other avenues of communication other than telephone calls. Stay connected by learning how to text, send emails, use social networks such as Facebook, etc.

It's Time to Redefine Yourself

• First as an individual. You have defined yourself as a parent for a long time, although this role is not finished, you will have more time to rediscover yourself as a person; Revisit your hobby, learn something new, etc.

• Then as a couple. If you have a spouse, it's time to reconnect and find yourself as lovers once again. If you’re single, get out and meet new people.

The Positive

If you make the effort to be present without drowning your chicks under a rain of daily text messages, you might discover a delicious complicity between you when you get together for coffee or go out to dinner. It's up to you to see where this new adventure will take you.

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By Jasmine Beausoleil