Many parents forget who they were before they had children. The thought of children leaving home can throw a parent into a bad case of empty nest syndrome. Nothing can totally prepare you for the feelings associated with empty nest syndrome, but there are steps you can take to be better prepared.
Keep in mind, your children have left home, but they haven't left you. They will always be in your life.
“Life affords no greater responsibility, no greater privilege, than the raising of the next generation.” - C. Everett Koop
- Make a list of all the places you would like to travel. After children leave home, you don't have to worry about school schedules and other activities that prevented you from traveling whenever you wanted.
- Remind yourself of the hobbies you put on hold while raising your children. Makes plans to take up those hobbies again.
- Relish in the thought that your life won't be so regimented and you can rekindle your dreams.
- Do volunteer work to maintain or gain a sense of purpose.
- Make monthly plans to meet with your children so that you maintain a sense of the family life you once had with them. Have dinner together and talk about cherished childhood memories and update each other on new events.
Keep in mind, your children have left home, but they haven't left you. They will always be in your life.
“Life affords no greater responsibility, no greater privilege, than the raising of the next generation.” - C. Everett Koop