Fleeing the Nest...

Empty nesting is most common in the autumn when many teenagers go to college or university. It can also happen when a son or daughter moves away to a job, sets up their own home, or finds a relationship or gets married.

‘There are two lasting bequests that we can hope to give our children. One is roots the other wings’ Hodding Carter.

Empty-nest syndrome can lead to many parents experiencing feelings of sadness and loss – and a feeling that life has changed irrevocably. It is natural to feel some sadness when your “child” becomes a young adult and leaves home; normal to have a little weep now and again. Don’t be ashamed of your feelings – they happen to a lot of parents and are normal and understandable.

It’s all about letting go. It is important to ask yourself – how self-sufficient will your son or daughter be? Will they manage to budget, cook, use the washing machine, and keep their accommodation clean? Give them plenty of practical advice and support, while acknowledging they have to make their own decisions (and maybe mistakes).

‘The finest inheritance you can give to a child is to allow it to make its own way completely on its own feet’ Isadora Duncan 1877-1927.

Preparation for the empty-nesting event works best if it’s a two-way process. Begin by congratulating yourself on a job well done. Then look to the future and start to remember and plan for all those activities and hobbies that had to be put on hold but can now be indulged in. Empty-nesting is a time to start enjoying life in a different way. You have the freedom to be yourself and live your life, differently but in a fulfilling way.

Cecily Brotherton specialises in offering people help and support with a variety of “life issues”.

Contact Cecily at Freedom Life Coaching 01903 600213.Email -

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