Empty nest syndrome is a problem many parents experience when their last child leaves home. After having spent the last 20 years guiding, loving and spending time together, it can be very hard emotionally to see your child leave the nest. The void isn’t the only thing that they leave behind. Your child moving on in life can also test the healthiest of marriages. The following tips can help you get over the empty nest syndrome.
Prepare for Your Future
Individuals most at risk for experiencing empty nest syndrome are full-time parents and those struggling with retirement, menopause or aging parents. But now that your children have left the nest, you’re free to prepare for your future. This can include saving more money for retirement and discovering other health benefit plans. A Medicare broker can help make the transition to a Medicare supplement plan smooth and worry-free. If you don’t know where to start, you can check out Medicare health plans here.
Get Reacquainted
Raising a family can be costly for parents. You may have had to make sacrifices to both your budget and relationship while you’ve raised them. When your children go away to college or find a dwelling of their own, you’re going to be all alone with your spouse. Having your own privacy and full run of your home again should be seen as a good thing for a couple. You’re now free to have dinner when you want or go out on dates without worrying about the kids. If you’re marriage has gone stale, use this alone time to reestablish your relationship.
Make Your Dreams Come True
If you let your child see just how distraught you are over their leaving, they may find it hard to move out. But giving them the confidence to fly the coop when they are ready is important for their development. You can use this opportunity as a chance to make your dreams come true. Whether you enjoy pottery, learning how to play piano or writing, you’re now free to fulfill your desires. You may also want to consider a career change or go to school and get a degree. If you’ve always wanted to travel, this is the ideal opportunity to plan a trip.
Don’t Make Drastic Changes
Your emotions are going to be at heightened levels after your children leave. Although you may think this is the best time to sell the house or get a divorce, you need time to adjust. Give yourself approximately one year to get in the swing of being an empty nester. After you’ve experienced life alone, you’ll be emotionally ready to make big changes in your life.
Share Your Feelings
You’re not going to garner a lot of sympathy from people who haven’t experienced this type of change. If you find yourself distraught, find other empty nesters to commiserate with. Although this is a normal part of life, it can help to talk with others who share your feelings. A therapist may also offer helpful advice on how to get on with your life.
Prepare Ahead of Time
You can prepare your child to leave home by offering them useful life’s skills. Instead of doing their laundry, show them how to operate the washer and dryer. Your child will also need good money saving skills to get ahead in life. You can help them implement a budget based on their earnings. You may also want to show them how to balance their own bank accounts. When armed with the right skills, you can put your mind at ease knowing that your child will be handle the world around them.