Struggling without your kids: Empty nesting

Struggling without your kids: Empty nesting

When your child leaves home, it’s only natural to have mixed emotions. On one hand, you might be proud as your child embarks on a new chapter in their life, however, it’s also understandable to feel a little lost and uncertain. It can be especially difficult if you’re a single parent.

Here are some coping strategies when faced with empty nesting.

Acknowledge your feelings

First of all, try not to be hard on yourself for feeling this way. Allow yourself the time to sit with your feelings, whether this includes sadness or even relief. Empty nesting has even been compared to grief by some individuals.

It’s important to remember that everybody’s empty nesting situation will look different. While some parents have a very strong relationship with their children, others might have struggled with their behaviour at home. Either way, it’s new for everyone involved.

Stay connected

Whether your child has moved down the road or to another country, it doesn’t mean you can’t stay connected. The beauty of digital communication is that you can speak to them through messaging apps or video calls with ease.

It’s important to remember that your relationship doesn’t have to change just because the amount you see them has reduced. Take the time to schedule visits in the diary so you have dates to look forward to. Just be sure to allow them the space they need to embrace their new start.

Focus on yourself

Being a parent can become a large part of your identity, so when your child flees the nest, it’s common to feel a little lost. For this reason, it’s important to focus on yourself and embrace things you enjoy doing. This is a new chapter for you as much as it is for your child. You can also use it as an opportunity to lean into your connections and friendships so you feel fulfilled.

When faced with empty nesting, you might find it valuable time to reacquaint yourself with your financial situation. You might decide to make new financial goals or even consider equity release to unlock some of the tax-free funds in your home. Setting personal or professional goals can help people find a new sense of purpose.

Embrace change

Although change is scary, the best way to deal with it is to embrace it. Parenthood can be hugely restricting, even when your child has grown up, so this is your chance to put yourself first. Seek out new opportunities and do things that make you happy. You can revel in looking forward to seeing your child again when they visit home or when you go to visit them.