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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My only Child is going to college in a few weeks

subee
subee

Child is going to college in a few weeks hi my name is Sue.  My daughter who just graduated from high school is going to college in a few weeks although I am so very proud of her I am so very sad that she’s leaving. Her college it’s only two hours away I know but we have such a good relationship and a very tight bond. My husband works mostly nights we have our routine she does her studies I make dinner and we watch our programs. My life is going to change as I know it. I feel lost and I can’t stop crying. I have a very busy life I work I have three dogs and two cats so it’s not as if I’m going to be bored in fact the workload is going to be doubled for me because she has been my help and my sidekick with all of our activities. She has been playing soccer since she was five years old and compatibly the last 10 years on club teams and we traveled almost every weekend together. I just feel so sad right now because everything is changing. Any ideas on how to get through this? I don’t want to sit and cry with her in front of her Which I do in a pretty good job not doing!

JaimeLynne
JaimeLynne
The dogs and cat will help. I know my dog helps a lot. You have to "find yourself" again. You have to explore your own interests. You might be too busy to even grieve! And yes it is a grieving process. It's bittersweet. You miss your child, but you also wouldn't want it any other way. It's been 4 years for me and I just now am starting to feel this because my elderly father moved in right after my son left, and I had to take care of him. My father might be coming back, so again, this all might be delayed for me all over again. Even though it hurts when your child moves out, it means you have done well in your job as a mother. I try to remember that. I'm happy that my son is happy. I am the same boat you are (with fewer pets!) I'm thinking maybe we could develop "in person" support groups. Is that allowed? I don't want to break any rules of this site. I live in Michigan and would love to hear from other mothers with empty nests who live near me.
doglover44
doglover44
Subee, we are out here, moms just like you struggling through this. My only daughter leaves in 2 weeks and I will be here with my dog's shoulder to cry on! He is such a good boy, gets so confused when I get emotional but helps me a lot. I want to focus on what JaimeLynn says about knowing we did a good job if our child can strike out on their own.... their happiness is proof we did at least some things right. Now we have to watch them from a bit of a distance and try to find new ways to use our energy. I'm working on it. Would also like to have a support group in person, but I'm in Chicago!
meganh822
meganh822
I am here for you too. My son is leaving on the 18th and I'm really feeling the struggle. I am trying to do lots of fun stuff together while we can. I am also gearing up to stay really busy which will help me stay sane. I am so proud of my son, and I wouldn't want it any other way. I will miss him, but he will visit and talk all the time. I love that my son is going to do the thing that I have tried to help him prepare for his whole life.
subee
subee
Thank you all for such loving support, means a lot. We have been going nonstop shopping, getting all she needs. We are actually going to go visit her school the next couple of days, (San Diego State) so she, and I can be familiar with the campus and the surrounding area, I think that will help me to know where she will be daily and of course her too! I’m
Still crying constantly, know that I’m not usually a cryer but I am emotional:) all of
Your advise is well noted! I wish we can have a person to person support group but seeing we are all over the map, this I’m
Grateful for. More to be revealed my new friends
meganh822
meganh822
Stay strong. Snapchat and FaceTime will help. You can still talk daily. I’m thinking about it like he’s going away to camp.