“To raise a child, who is comfortable enough to leave you, means you’ve done your job. They are not ours to keep, but to teach how to soar on their own”-Anonymous
Empty nest syndrome is a feeling of loneliness or sadness that occurs among parents after children grow up and leave home for better prospects. Empty nest syndrome is not a clinical diagnosis, but rather describes a transition period in which many people experience feelings of loneliness or loss. When the time comes for your children to leave home, there is a sense of helplessness and this is the most challenging period. Whatever the child’s flight path, parents are left with an empty place in the home, or as it have been dubbed in the vernacular, ‘the empty nest’. How you choose to cope with this new reality as parents of a now independent adult will determine the speed and comfort level of adjustment.
However some parents are more susceptible than others and there are various reasons for it. Some of the reasons are as follows:
- The quality of parent-child relationship
- Parental conflicts and feuds
- Over involved parents
- Self identity crisis
- Over emotionality and dependence
Undoubtedly a child’s departure unleashes overwhelming sadness and there is a dire need to cope with it efficiently in order to move ahead.
Suggestions for coping (REDEFINE)
R- Relish each stage of your child’s life. Then let it go.
E-Explore the Ways You Intend To Be In Touch With Your Children.
D- Discover Your Own Creativity and Power.
E- Energise yourself, both mentally and physically.
F- Focus on Friendships, Both New and Old.
I-Identify the Negative Thoughts accept it non-judgmentally and Fill the Void
N- Networking
E-Expect Better Times and Be Hopeful
It is required that for the better way to deal with this syndrome the timely advice of psychiatrist should be taken. Dr. Shashi Bhushan who is a reputed doctor for psychiatry treatments should be consulted for the same. He has successfully handled many cases of empty nest syndrome.
