What is Empty Nesting & How to Deal With it

Empty nest syndrome is a common form of grief that many parents experience when their children move home. While it is normal and healthy for children to move away from home, it can also be an upsetting and stressful time for a parent that can take its toll on their mental wellbeing. Knowing how to navigate this challenging time in your life is helpful, so this post will offer advice that should help.

Embrace the Change

First, you need to embrace the change. While sometimes people brush empty nest syndrome off, it is important to acknowledge your feelings and understand that it is perfectly natural to feel this way, as it is a big change in life. You should reflect on the good job you have done raising your children and see it as a new opportunity not just for them but also for you, as there is a lot of freedom when a child moves away from the family home.

Redefine Your Home

When your children move out, it allows you to redefine your home. You can use this opportunity to declutter, reorganise, and redecorate to create a space that is more of a reflection of your personality and less of a family home. Many parents will also downsize to a smaller place when their children leave the home. This can be sensible from a financial standpoint while also giving you a space that is easier to manage. New build homes are a good choice for those in this situation as they can be easier to maintain and well-equipped.

Nurture Your Relationships

It is important to have people around you during this challenging time. This means you need to make an effort to spend time with your partner, friends, and family members. You could also join clubs or volunteer to meet new people and make the most of your extra time.

Explore New Interests

With newfound freedom comes the chance to explore new interests. New hobbies can keep you busy and entertained, and there are lots that could benefit your home, such as candle making. You could also spend more time traveling and exploring new places as this will always enrich your life.

Take Care of Yourself

Finally, you need to make sure you are taking care of yourself during this challenging time. This means eating a healthy diet, regular exercise, and getting enough sleep. There are healthy ways to manage stress, including yoga, meditation, and spending time in nature. If you are struggling to adjust, you could try talking to a therapist.

Empty nest syndrome is a real issue and one that take its toll on your mental wellbeing. Hopefully, the information in this post will help you adjust and make the most out of this period of change.