Most parents dream of always being with their children and watch them grow up. They want to be there to guide and support them in every possible way that they know. However, there comes in the life of their children when they need to leave the house for a certain period of time. This usually happens when pursuing college education, moving to another location for job opportunities, or creating their own family. In these instances, some parents suffer from empty nest syndrome.
Parents who are suffering from empty nest syndrome tend to have unsatisfactory or unstable marriage. Instead of viewing challenges as refreshing or challenging, they see them as stressful. Some of these challenges include lack of understanding or sympathy from others especially those who consider the decision of children to move out as healthy and normal.
The grief experienced by parents with empty nest syndrome is typically compounded by some events that are happening in their life including redundancy, death of spouse, retirement, and menopause. These problems associated with the condition are what drive most parents to determine the right ways for coping with empty nest syndrome.
Simple and Effective Ways for Coping With Empty Nest Syndrome
Accept the Decision of Your Child to Move and Prepare for Departure: If you know that your child will leave, spend some time to know if they already know how to properly take care of themselves. It is also important that you let your children know that you love them and ready to support them any time they need a help. Being able to accept the fact that your child will leave your house can also help you adapt easily to the changes that will happen in your household.
Use Your Loneliness to Improve Your Self: Instead of sulking after your children left, it is better if you go out and try things that you’ve never tried before. When coping with empty nest syndrome, you have to be open to changes. You and your partner can try new things together. You can go on dates, a vacation, or do things that can develop your talents and improve your creativity. You can also adopt new pet or find a reason to liver happier and laugh every day.
Create a New Life With Your Spouse: Coping with empty nest syndrome is crucial in saving your marriage. Statistics reveal that divorce rates of marriage couples increase by 16% during the empty nest phase. This is why it is important that you spend more time with each other. It gives you the chance to get to know each other better. You are free to do things without hesitations.
Coping with empty nest syndrome is not a complicated process. Learning these things will not just let you accept living away from your child but also have a happier married life. Accepting the fact that your children will leave you to have their own life in the future will make it easier for you to accept the transition.