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.
I am wondering how many of us that are struggling were stay at home parents. For me when I gave up working my children became most of my world. I met all my friends through my kids so even if I did something without them it was usually with a mom of one of their friends.
With them grown I wonder if that is why I can't cope, why I seem to have no other interests, and perhaps why they communicate so little. They take me for granted because I was always there. I just wonder if it was different for parents that worked and weren't always home and weren't at every basketball game and school ceremony. Do they appreciate you any more because they didn't always have you?
With them grown I wonder if that is why I can't cope, why I seem to have no other interests, and perhaps why they communicate so little. They take me for granted because I was always there. I just wonder if it was different for parents that worked and weren't always home and weren't at every basketball game and school ceremony. Do they appreciate you any more because they didn't always have you?
As far as them appreciating me? hmm...mostly they want me to stay in the role of care-taker and not complain..lol...i think appreciation will slowly come with maturity and age.
It's not only that the kids are out on their own but the job of home making changes as well. You don't have anyone to cook for, there's no need to clean as much, less laundry, etc. - so your whole world is just - different.
I'm working on trying to get a new life before my kids are completely out of the house. I'm really just trying lots of different things because I have NO Idea what I'll like. My old hobbies don't really fit (it's been over 20 years!).
I watched a video the other day that was really helpful. I had been trying to find things to entertain myself, fun things, hobbies. Then I watched a TED Talk with Martin Seligman. He said happiness doesn't result from pleasurable activities. It emerges from having a purpose.
So in addition to doing fun things I'm now seeking out volunteer opportunities to work with kids. I'd prefer to continue working as a home maker and mom full time but if I can't do that I do need to feel a sense of purpose doing something else.
I feel extremely empty. What can you do or say?