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.

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Kats5 08/16/2017

My oldest is a senior in college, my only daughter will leave next week to be a freshman in college. My youngest is a junior in high school. I have gotten used to my oldest being gone during the college terms, but sending my daughter off seems so hard. She has always kept me in the loop with activities and I will miss her dearly. My youngest son is driving now and I feel that I am not needed anymore. I am a stay at home mom and have thrived on the busyness of our schedules and now I am feeling there will be a huge void with only one left at home who is quite independent already.

Kissm5 09/04/2017

Kats5,
I feel for you and share your mood. I am a working dad, but work does not give the fulfillment, love, joy, and meaning of being a parent (at least for me). Yes, the activities such as PTA, scouts, first day, parent-teacher conferences, homework, sports, room decorating, driving them places, family vacation...all give purpose and meaning.

It is even harder if your marriage is not so wonderful.

The best advice I read was to allow yourself to grieve. Time will do its thing and eventually you will accept this new phase. I am a fan of Buddhism, and the first tenet is the "All things change and this causes suffering." The rest of Buddhism goes on to explain how to handle it. Yes, I am simplifying

KDH 09/04/2017

Your story sounds very similar to mine. I thought I was prepared, especially as I have already sent the first one, however, he was the first boy. I too have a different relationship with my daughter and she is very excited to "be independent". It is so bittersweet. I am proud and excited for all of three of them, as they are all beginnning new adventures. My youngest is beginning high school and driving But for her, I struggle with she doesn't know yet, what she really doesn't know. And to top it off, my husband began traveling a lot more for his job, so my life has taken a dramatic turn in a matter of months. I am reading and doing what I am supposed to do like focus on the positive, getting a hobby, volunteering, focus on exercise, and myself.... blah , blah, blah.... some days it doesn't do any good. I am thankful to find some support with others who understand. I think that will do me more good than getting a hobby! : ) I do know we will make it through, as so many more have gone before us!

mixedup3 09/06/2017

I know exactly how you feel. My eldest is a senior in college. My middle son left for college 2 weeks ago. My youngest is a junior who has a very active social life and is rarely home on the weekends. This big house is so quiet and lonely. I feel lost. I am grieving and cry all the time. I just don't know what to do with myself. It helps to hear that I am not the only one.

Kissm5 09/08/2017

You are not the only one mixedup3. A house without kids is quiet and lonely. It has become depression for me, and I am getting help.

mixedup3 09/09/2017

I keep thinking I want to sell this big house, it I want them to still feel that home waits for them.

mumof2and1 09/10/2017

I know how it feels lose your only daughter! I am a single mom who has raised my boys and one daughter alone since they were very young. I made them my whole life. My older son has been sort of half way out spending more time with friends, but my daughter has shared her life with me and we have been so close! I am ver proud of her but feel lost and lonely without her. She just left for college and I feel like someone died. I still have my youngest son at home and know I need to be strong for him and immerse myself in his needs but I feel like I'm only half there!

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