Empty nest syndrome refers to the feelings of sadness and loss some parents experience when the last child leaves the family home. Although it isn’t an official clinical diagnosis, the problem is still very real. Parents with empty nest syndrome experience a deep void in their lives. They often feel lost. They may also struggle to allow their adult children to have autonomy. Some couples experience higher levels of conflict when one or both partners have empty nest syndrome. This can compound feelings of loneliness and distress. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to address empty nest syndrome. If you’re struggling to deal with your children moving out of the home, these five strategies can help. Identify new roles you want to fill during this empty-nest phase of your life. Do you want to be a volunteer? A generous neighbor? An involved community member? Now that you have more time on your hands, you have the opportunity to explore other activities that can give you meaning and purpose. Clarifying the roles you’d like to fill now that you’re an empty nester can ensure you feel valuable. Travel without worrying about who’s going to stay with the kids. Plan date nights without thinking about a babysitter and cook whatever meals you want without considering if a picky eater is going to complain about it. If many of your activities centered around going to kids’ sporting events and school plays, it may take some effort to figure out what other activities you can enjoy together. But the extra planning will pay off. Perhaps you’d like to return to a hobby that you pushed aside when you became a parent. Or maybe there’s something you always wanted to try but you never had time. If you aren’t sure what you’d like to do, pick something and give it a try by taking a class or testing out a short-term project. If you find out it’s not for you, try something else. This is a great time to explore your interests. You might even take on something even bigger, such as volunteering with a charity, which can help you find a place to direct your focus. However, avoid making any life-altering decisions in the first six months or so after your child moves out. Don’t sell your house or leave your job unless you’d had that planned far in advance. Of course, you should certainly check in on your child’s well-being. But give your child some privacy—and the space to make a few mistakes. It’s healthier for both of you. Coming to terms with this new phase in your life can be tough. But most parents find they’re able to adjust to their new roles and they develop a new sense of normal. If you find that empty nest syndrome is getting worse, instead of better, or it doesn’t resolve within a couple of months, talk to a mental health professional. Your feelings of loneliness or emptiness may require treatment.
