Empty Nests Support Group
Empty nest syndrome is a general feeling of depression and loneliness that parents/other guardian relatives feel when one or more of their children leave home. Empty nest syndrome has become more prevalent in modern times, as the extended family is becoming less common than in past generations, and the elderly are left living by themselves.
For some reason this year getting my kids back to college has really hit me hard. It was the first summer my son did not come home, although he visited, yet stayed with his Dad. I sold the family home 3 years ago and since that time the kids no longer stay with me when home. I try not to make a big deal out of it but it really hurts, Ive shared custody with the dad 50/50 since kids were little 4/5
It just seems like they "visit" with me, their dad remarried years ago and they have a 1/2 sibling. It seems like they are family and I am just a 5th wheel of inconvenience, really feeling down and lost
Can you start planning anything for Christmas break? Maybe discuss it with their father and say you need to see a bit more of them? Can you book a weekend away with the kids for an 'adventure'? They might be tempted if it sounds fun (although they might not - who knows - I'm not sure how my son would react!) If they don't want to come though, go alone - see what happens, and have your own adventure. I hope you can work something out and ideally spend time with their new family too, because you are a part of it, and you gave them your children, so if they love them they'll be grateful to you for that. xxx