
Parenting Teenagers (12-18) Support Group
This community is focused on the joys, challenges and concerns faced by parents of teenagers (12 to 18 year olds). The major areas of child development include: physical development, perception and sensory development, communication and language development, cognitive development, emotional development and social development.

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Anyone out there going through - or have gone through walking in to a childless home for the first time is 20 years? Please tell me the pain and sadness isn't forever! I'm going to miss my daughter deeply and her dad and I will carry on but he has his work...my work WAS my children! If I miss her this deeply and she hasn't even left what will I do when she does? Help!
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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?
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