EMPTY NEST SYNDROME Everybody goes through five stages of family life cycle according to CIGNA Healthcare. Here, the focus is on one particular life cycle phase: launching adult children into the world. When children-turned-young-adults begin to move out of the family home, parents may find themselves deciding not only what to do with the spare bedroom, but also what to do with themselves. Empty nest syndrome refers to feelings of depression, sadness, and, or grief experienced by parents and caregivers after children come of age and leave their childhood homes. This may occur when children go to college or get married. Also known as the post-parental period, empty nest syndrome is not a clinical diagnosis, but rather describes a transition period in …show more content…
• Join professional associations or hobby groups. • Consider volunteer work to expand your network of contacts. To cope with the stress and depression of their child moving out of home: • Acknowledge your grief (even if you feel that no one else seems to understand) and allow yourself to feel upset. • Rituals, such as funerals, help us to come to terms with difficult changes. Create your own rituals to help acknowledge your feelings. Suggestions include planting a tree, or redecorating your child’s old room. • Discuss your thoughts, feelings and future plans with your spouse. • Seek advice and support from other friends who understand how you feel, some of them may also have experienced empty nest syndrome. • Give yourself time to adapt to the changes. Don’t expect too much of yourself, particularly in the first few weeks or months. • Pursue your hobbies and interests now that you have more time. • Some people find that keeping a journal is helpful, while others find peace through prayer. Do whatever feels right for you. • Put off making any big decisions - such as selling up and moving to a smaller house - until you feel you have