Navigating The Empty Nest – A Guide For Parents With Kids Leaving For College
- Brainz Magazine
- Aug 30, 2023
- 4 min read
Written by: Jane Morales, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
I’m with you, my kids are also leaving for college. Even tough I still have one with us, we’ve already sent two away and he’s already preparing for the process to fly and go after his goals.
As the time comes for young adults to spread their wings and embark on the exciting journey of college life, parents can often experience mixed emotions.
The once vibrant family home may suddenly feel empty, leaving parents grappling with a range of emotions, from pride and excitement to sadness and loneliness. This transitional phase can be challenging but also presents an opportunity for personal growth and to redefine your own life. Us parents can navigate the empty nest phase with grace and positivity.
Acknowledge your emotions
It is normal to experience a whirlwind of emotions when your kids leave for college. Let yourself feel everything from sadness and nostalgia to excitement and pride. Give yourself permission to grieve the loss of having your children at home while embracing the joy of watching them embark on their new journey.
Reach out to friends, join support groups, or seek professional counseling if needed, as talking through your feelings can help you process them in a healthy way.
Redefine your role
With your children away, it's time to redefine your role as a parent. Embrace the chance to focus on your personal growth, nurture relationships with your partner, friends and pursue activities and hobbies that bring you joy.
Rediscover old passions or find new ones, and invest time in self-care. Remember, you are more than just a parent – embrace this exciting opportunity to explore different aspects of your identity.
Cultivate communication
Stay connected with your children by establishing regular communication channels. Set up a schedule for phone calls or video chats that works for both parties. Encourage open and honest conversations, but also respect their independence.
Avoid becoming overly intrusive, and allow them the freedom to explore their new environment without feeling constantly monitored.
Embrace technology
Technology has made staying connected with loved ones easier than ever before. Utilize various digital tools to share moments, photos, and stories. From sending texts to sharing pictures and videos on social media platforms, technology can help bridge the distance and provide a sense of closeness.
Rekindle friendships and social connections
With your children off to college, take this opportunity to reconnect with old friends or forge new relationships.
Join social clubs, attend community events, or take classes that spark your interest. Surround yourself with individuals who share similar hobbies and outlooks on life – engaging in social activities can significantly reduce feelings of loneliness.
Pursue personal goals
Now is the perfect time to turn your attention to personal goals and aspirations that might have taken a backseat while raising children.
Whether it's furthering your education, starting a new career, or pursuing your passions, embrace the freedom that an empty nest brings. Setting and achieving personal milestones will not only boost your confidence but will also inspire your children to chase their own dreams.
The challenge
The empty nest phase can be both challenging and liberating. Remember that while your roles and responsibilities may change, your love and support for your children remain steadfast.
Embrace this time as an opportunity for personal growth, reigniting passions, and nurturing your own well-being. By adjusting to the changes, staying connected with your children, and seeking new avenues for personal fulfillment, you can make the most of this new chapter in your life.
On one hand, it can be challenging to adjust to the absence of children in the home and the change in daily routines. This might lead to feelings of emptiness, loneliness, or even a sense of loss. Parents may also worry about their children's well-being and miss the close connection they once had.
The empty nest phase can also be liberating. Without the responsibilities of raising children, parents have more time, freedom, and resources to focus on themselves and their own interests. They can pursue new hobbies, travel, further their careers, or simply enjoy more quiet and solitude.
It's important for parents to recognize and embrace the range of emotions that may arise during this phase. It can be helpful to seek support from friends, family, or even professional counseling to navigate any challenges and find new sources of fulfillment. Ultimately, the empty nest phase can be an opportunity for personal growth and the exploration of new chapters in life.
Remember, you are still a parent, but now you also have the freedom to explore life on your own terms.
Jane Morales, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Jane Morales is a Human Development, Leadership, and Assertiveness Coach, Meditation Master, Writer, and Public Speaker. She holds a BS in Marketing from Bentley University in Boston and a Master of Science in Communications from Boston University. In addition to her higher education, she is trained in The Power of Intention, Positive Affirmations, and Living your own Success. She completed a higher degree in Psychosynthesis Psychology which expands the boundaries of human potential exploring values and purpose in life.
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