הצגת מקור

Overcome The Challenges Of The Empty Nest Syndrome

It is difficult to think of the day when your kids won't be in diapers, going on play dates, dealing with homework issues, or going to sports practices.  Yet the day they grow up is inevitable, and one day your kids will pack up and leave for college or a home of their own as they begin a new, exciting journey in life.  A lot of parents have a difficult time coping with this change.  You are certainly not alone in feeling lost and aimless.  As in all other major life-altering changes, there are ideas that can help you cope with the empty nest syndrome.

The way in which you view this phase of life is going to determine how you cope with the change.  As long as you are willing to concede that out of sight is not out of mind, you will be able to cope with this major change.  It also does not mean that your days or duties as a parent are done.  You will still be a parent to your kids for the rest of their lives, even after they have left home.  It must be understood, however, that the nature of your responsibilities as a parent has now undergone a significant change.  Your children are adults now and capable of making their own decisions; that is one aspect of parenthood that you can set aside.  As long as you are willing to offer guidance and emotional support to your kids, remembering that they are no longer kids, you can continue your relationship on a new footing as friends.

There are some often overlooked perks to the empty nest.  You will have more time to spend with your spouse after the children move out.  It?s hard to get time alone with children in the house.  Now you have a chance to deepen your relationship with your significant other and really get to know each other on a more intimate basis.  You have an opportunity to do all of the things that you wanted to do before, but couldn?t.  It's a wonderful time to get out there and have some fun with your spouse.  You can get spontaneously romantic whenever you wish.  You might get some spontaneity and romance back in your relationship when or if your children leave.  You can enjoy similar benefits if you're a single parent.  You can use your newfound free time as the perfect excuse for going out and meeting new people.  In the process you could find yourself falling in love and starting a whole new life.

Raising children is a full time job that leaves almost no time for yourself.  Most parents give up some if not all of their personal interests during this period.  Once that responsibility has shifted away from you, it is time to unleash your creative skills and reawaken the passions in your life.

You now have the time for your former hobbies as well as time to engage in new pursuits.  You can take a long vacation, start a new business, or simply enjoy catching up on all those unread novels resting on your bookshelf.  With more time on your hands, why wouldn?t you want to pursue the things that you couldn?t do earlier?

Sometimes, it can take some time for new empty nesters to get used to the fact that their kids are gone.  This is not the time to do anything rash.  Remember the wise old saying: act in haste and repent in leisure.  Refrain from doing anything that you would later regret.  Only then can you proceed with your life and your new crazy notions.

Naturally, following your dreams does not mean breaking ties with your children.  Call them up off and on to ensure that you remain in touch with each other.  Your job as a parent is to raise your kids to be strong enough to take care of themselves.  Let them know you are always there for them and wish them the best in their lives.  Otherwise, let their superb upbringing take over.