I dont know if I can help too much with this because my children are still at home, but I can tell you what my mother did. I am the oldest, but when she found out the youngest was definitely going away from home to college she began emerging herself in hobbies that she enjoyed. She joined a couple of womens groups. And since she enjoys sports, she actually became a licensed basketball and volleyball official. Granted these might not be things that you enjoy, but find something that you and go for it. Join a scrapbooking club, gardening club, something that you can focus your free time on. Good luck and I hope this helps some.

My oldest is about to go to college and even though I still have one at home for a few more years I go into my son's room and realize he won't be here much longer and get choked up. All I can say is, if you loved her enough that you will miss her so much, she won't be far away. Make a plan to keep in touch via phone calls and visits. Being a daughter myself I can tell you she'll miss you too. I talked to my mom more after I moved out then I ever did while I lived with her. I agree with hshankle, join some groups that will take you out of the house a couple days a week. Volunteer, play Bunko/Keeno with a neighborhood/church group, take a class. You'll be fine :-)

I am a social worker and there is a need for foster parents. There are many children that have stories that will break your heart and need someone to love and care for them.

Heck, I'm still dreaming of all the cool downtown loft condo I will get when my children leave the nest and all the white furniture that will actually stay white!

But I do understand. How eerily quiet the house must seem now that they have gone. I'll bet that all the things that used to annoy you the most, are now the things you miss the most.

I guess the best advice I can give is to suggest getting involved in volunteering, something to fill the void. How about something to do with children - teacher's assistant or a volunteer in a children's hospital? Do you have a well behaved pet? If yes, our Sick Kids Hospital here in Toronto has a program whereby pet owners bring there well behaved pets to visit children. The kids go crazy. It supposedly really helps in the healing process. They say for adults, pets have proven to reduce high blood pressure.

If you keep busy you can't dwell on the empty void in your heart.

My heartfelt sympathy is with you. As much as I want to kill him, and as much as I want white furniture, I will miss him dearly when he goes out into the big bad world. The worry never ends, does it?

You must have a wonderful relationship with your child! I hope you can enjoy these last days to the fullest with her!

I am a recent empty nester too. While I have enjoyed a good relationship with my son, I do NOT miss the STRESS of parenting a teenage boy. It would have been very difficult for me if he was not ready for the next phase of his life - but he was ready! In talking with my friends, it is interesting to find that many of the dads took it harder than the moms....perhaps your husband shares some of your sadness/missing your daughter? Would it be helpful to talk with him about your feelings? If not, do you feel so upset that you might benefit from talking to a counselor? I know that at some of the colleges, they have a little mini session for parents in terms of coping with the departure of their child. This may be a chance for you to meet other parents who feel similarly.

I found that it was easier to prepare for my son's leaving by taking a few things off the wall and getting started with the packing; in advance of his going off. This helped me to get used to his room looking "different" before he actually left. Also, we chat on line weekly using a small attachment with a camera and microphone. This way I know every thing's OK and we aren't infringing on his new experiences.

Personally, for me the empty nest has been a good opportunity to step back and refocus on my goals; this includes a new career.
I would encourage you to consider taking a leisure learning class at your local community college, going back to school, volunteering or even work. In addition to the recommendation to be a foster parent, there are many exchange programs (i.e. Rotary, AFS) that need families to take in a teenager. I am sure that your talent as a parent can be put to use in so many other areas! I hope a new opportunity presents itself and helps you to fill the void. Take Care

My youngest son left home over a year ago and I still feel sad, I gave up work to bring up my children and now feel my job is done and I am finding it really difficult. I have a wonderful husband but he is at work all day, don't know what to do to make myself feel better.