Finding Rest: Coping with Empty Nest Syndrome

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Discussion Overview

The thread explores experiences and feelings related to empty nest syndrome, with participants sharing personal anecdotes about their children leaving home and the resulting changes in their lives. Humor and light-hearted commentary are prevalent throughout the discussion.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions that having the kids gone makes it easier to get rest, while another notes difficulty in finding rest even without children at home.
  • Several participants share humorous takes on the situation, with one joking about the soap opera-like nature of their experiences.
  • Another participant recounts the challenge of dealing with their child's belongings that remain at their home long after they have moved out.
  • One participant shares a friend's strategy of converting a child's room into a non-bedroom space to discourage them from returning home.
  • Another participant describes how their mother dealt with their belongings by transporting them to their new home, highlighting the struggle of letting go of old items.
  • Some participants express a mix of nostalgia and humor regarding the changes that come with children growing up and leaving home.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the emotional impact of empty nest syndrome, with some participants finding humor in the situation while others express a sense of loss or ongoing challenges.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects a range of personal experiences related to parenting and the transition of children leaving home, with a focus on the emotional and practical aspects of this life stage.

Who May Find This Useful

Participants within the consultant community who are navigating similar experiences of empty nest syndrome may find the shared anecdotes and humor relatable.

The_Kitchen_Guy
The_Kitchen_Guy
Silver Member
Messages
12,389
Once the kids are gone and the house is emptied out (except for the stuff still in the attic) is sure is alot easier to get some rest.
 
LOL- I never did like soap operas...

I'm youngless and restless- Hmmm
 
I saw that thread the other day and kept thinking it was a parody waiting to happen...just too lazy to start one myself. :)
 
Well - I will probably be 90 before that happens here! #1 is back from her first year of college and doesn't want to go away again - so its back to the whole gang for me! AND that crap in the attic I have been saving - well............ That is on the fall to do list!

Do we really need to save EVERY trophie and ribbon and "first" ????
 
I have to say KG......I expected this post from you DAYS ago. lol
 
Ahhhh and those are the DAYS OF OUR LIVES............ but you know what they say.............
























You only have ONE LIFE TO LIVE.
 
The_Kitchen_Guy said:
Once the kids are gone and the house is emptied out (except for the stuff still in the attic) is sure is alot easier to get some rest.
Click to expand...

I dunno. I've been having a hard time getting rest this weekend, and we've got no kids. (Although one of the birds is here making a bunch of noise like a kid does.)
 
Well my daughter got married in August 2005 just after graduating from college in May 2005. She said she would come "clean out her stuff" someday:confused:...but then they moved 75 miles south in February 2006. It remained at my place. Then in September 2006, she had my grandson, Josiah (see my album of his pictures). They moved to a town 25 miles away from there in November 2006. Still nothing had been moved from my place and her bedroom was a giant storage room!:grumpy: Then in June 2007, I moved to their town after losing my job. When I went back up in July to move my things here, guess what came with me...:( You got it...all her junk! Well then I planned to move to a cheaper, nicer place in November 2007, so I began to go through all the mess in September! I know the garbage people wondered what I was doing with 10-15 bags every week!:eek: Finally it was mostly all cleaned out. I still have a closet here at the new apt full of old photos, toys, etc. that she didn't want to part with and had no room for at their house! :rolleyes: Someday I will only have my things at my place...but then that would be sad too! LOL!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #9
Like popcorn through the fingers of a fat man, so go the days of our lives.
 
I did a triple take at the title of the thread. Then I saw who started it!! I had to look to see what jokes were flying this time!! I should know that as long as the world turns, KG will be cracking jokes!!
 
PamperedDor said:
Ahhhh and those are the DAYS OF OUR LIVES............ but you know what they say.............

You only have ONE LIFE TO LIVE.
Click to expand...


You forgot to add...


with ALL MY CHILDREN

:D
 
  • Thread starter
  • #12
No, cancel All My Children if you want to rest and be youngless.
 
My mom finally got so tired of all my old crap she rented a U-haul, loaded it all up and drove it from WV to NC to me! LOL
 
If you want to clear things out, you could "accidentally" throw it out. That's what happened to some of my stuff that was at my parents' house.
 
My friend says taht as each child leaves, you turn their room into something totally non-bedroom like so they can't come back! I am looking into a home gym for when my DS leaves in 7 years!

He made a comment not long ago that he would like to attend a local university so that he could live at home..............I explained that this university had dorms for a good reason! He would live there even if we still live here!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #16
The Kat Lady's mother turned her bedroom into a library - two walls are lined with bookshelves and there is a loveseat in there so she can read.Fast forward to last Spring...The Kat Lady had abdominal surgery, so climbing stairs in our 170 year-old home wasn't an option. It turns out that the loveseat in the library is a sleeper - so The Kat Lady did go home again, to recover from surgery, and wound up in her old room, anyway.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #17
It's true, I'm youngless.At least, that I know of anyway.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #18
Hmmmm, I guess it wasn't as funny the second time around. Okay, I'll post this and let it die.
 
Whey once your youngless (although mine are home - just teenagers) can't you sleep!! Those darn hormones!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Empty Nest Syndrome?

Empty Nest Syndrome refers to the feelings of sadness, loneliness, or loss that parents may experience when their children leave home for the first time. This transition can lead to a significant change in daily routines and family dynamics, prompting parents to reassess their identities and roles.

How can I cope with feelings of sadness after my children leave home?

Coping with feelings of sadness can involve several strategies, such as staying connected with your children through regular communication, engaging in new hobbies or interests, and seeking support from friends or support groups. It’s important to allow yourself to grieve the change while also finding ways to embrace this new chapter in your life.

What activities can help me adjust to an empty nest?

Engaging in new activities can be beneficial for adjusting to an empty nest. Consider taking up a new hobby, volunteering, traveling, or joining clubs or classes that interest you. These activities can help fill your time and provide opportunities to meet new people, fostering a sense of community and purpose.

Is it normal to feel a sense of loss when my children leave home?

Yes, it is completely normal to feel a sense of loss when your children leave home. This emotional response is a natural part of the transition and reflects the deep bond you have with your children. Acknowledging these feelings and allowing yourself to process them is an important step in moving forward.

How can I maintain a strong relationship with my children after they leave home?

Maintaining a strong relationship with your children after they leave home can be achieved through regular communication, visiting each other, and showing interest in their lives. Establishing new traditions, such as family dinners or virtual catch-ups, can also help keep the connection strong while respecting their independence.

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