Empty Nest Anxiety

[KatenaD]

What will I do? My eldest daught has moved out and graduated college and has her own life now. my youngest is about to graduate High school in a year or two... and I just can't stop thinking what am i going to do with out my babies needing me every 3 seconds. I guess I'll just end up watching lots of TV and reading tons of books. Can there be life after children leave?

[Jannalandaeu]

Of course there's life after children. There was life before and its not like they're never going to speak to you again. Hahaha. Now you will have time to think of yourself first is all. Think of how long all the snacks will last without your kids eating them all while you're sleeping. hahaha you'll be fine, take a class or something.

[Rowena Lee]

I know that this life transition is probably the most traumatic for parents. But there is always life after children. After all, aren't you supposed to be happy about your children growing up and moving forward?


Here are some things you can do to fill the empty space and launch your new life:

* Take time to reflect on the good job you did of raising this child to adulthood.
* Acknowledge your grief (even if you feel that no one else seems to understand) and allow yourself to feel upset for awhile. Then find something distracting to do.
* Mother resting chin on folded arms and looking sad.Volunteer, take a class, find a new hobby or pick up an old one, join a group, keep a journal.
* Prepare and send "care packages" - food items, homemade cookies, things for the new dorm or apartment. You'll feel needed and your young person will appreciate it.
* Get support: When you're feeling sad and lonely, seek advice and support from friends or your minister.
* Take care of yourself with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
* You're alone with your spouse now for the first time in two decades. Take a trip or get involved in a new activity together. Rekindle the intimacy you enjoyed before you became parents.
* Spend some time updating a photo album, creating a scrapbook or crafting a collage to hang on your child's bedroom wall. Use the activity to remember happy times.
* Schedule a weekly chat with your child on the phone.
* Create a ritual to mark the significance of this transition in your family. Plant a tree or create a special garden area.
* Don't make any major decisions, such as moving or changing jobs, until you've had some time to adjust to your new lifestyle.



an advice from the designer of custom banners and signs and speed training society.

[Christina Klube]

I going to have to write this down and put it away in my sock drawer for when this time comes around for me.

12 Month Internet Millionaire

[John Matheson]

There are wonderful things called grandkids..

Don't worry, when it is time, you will get to be like a mom again, but it is even BETTER because you get to spoil your grandchildren and not worry about disciplining them. Your son or daughter will be doing that

Instead you get to give them cookies, get hugs, and always be around them. That is what grandmothers are for. My grandmother has always been a strong support to me and I love her.

Hope this a bit of a comfort to you,
good thread,
thanks

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I love playing the piano, singing, and music.
Shopping until I drop and using coupons at macy's, eating dinner with family, going on long family vacations and trips, and playing a good long game of risk

[Ramon Gonzales]

Agreed with the above posters. I´m sure everyone has had grandparents. ;)
Just prepare yourself and read on how to be a good grandparent, recap on your previous experience what little kids like and be ready once the gift arrives. Also what about those stuff you always wanted to do? Take up a new hobby, its never too late.
Heck, there are so many 80 year old parachuters that its not even a extreme thing anymore. Active life equals prolonged life. Don´t stress yourself, lots to still live for!
reverse | jump

[Kasandra]

Each year, more than 1.5 million American families see their children off to their first year of college. It's a momentous day in the lives of high school graduates and their parents, and during this transitional time, parents' emotions include everything from anxiety to hope, guilt to pride, fear to relief. Most 18 year olds aren't ready to make it in the real world. There are some, but there is so much they don't consider. Likewise, after school the world that college graduates enter into is nothing like it used to be. In my opinion, let's help our children to fight and survive in this dog-eat-dog world.

[Virginia Ramirez]

Of course there is life after the kids leave. Technology is much better now. You can easily call them or even chat with them online if they live far.
What you can do is to renew your bonding with your friends. Go out with them. Learn new craft. Travel.