How did you handle going through empty nest syndrome? If you do not have kids yet, how do you think you would handle it???
Defined by Wikipedia……
Empty nest syndrome is a general feeling of loneliness that parents or guardians may feel when one or more of their children leave home; it is more common in women. The marriage of a child can lead to similar feelings, with the role and influence of the parents often becoming less important compared to the new spouse.
A strong maternal or paternal bond between the parent and child can make the condition worse. The role of the parent while the child is still living with them is more hands-on and immediate than is possible when they have moved out, particularly if the distance means that visits are difficult.
Social and cultural factors
When children move away, mothers can get what is called “Empty Nest Syndrome”, which is generally accepted as the lonely, abandoned feeling of the home being empty. In order to fill the void of the empty house, many people look for something that is living and breathing that will take their mind off of their feelings, like a pet.
Empty nest syndrome has become more prevalent in modern times, as the extended family is becoming less common than in past generations.
In many cultures, such as those in Africa, India, the Middle East, and East Asia, one’s elderly parents are held in very high esteem and it is considered almost a duty to care for and respect them. In contrast to most Western societies, extended families were common in those places. However, nowadays, even in these countries, as cities become more Westernized and industrialized, values are gradually changing. It is sometimes rather inconvenient or impractical to live with or care extensively for one’s parents in a modern setting. Empty nest syndrome is starting to surface in some of those nations and regions as well, where traditional values come in conflict with Westernization. This has been especially the case for Hong Kong and India.
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Believe in Yourself 
Well, you may have figured out that my oldest son is trying to figure out where to move and start his new life in molecular biology research. I have had mixed feelings over this and just would love to hear some of your thoughts.
That is why I see to it that I visit my parents every weekend.
I hope I do get to see my son often. 😎
THERE IS A FILM SONG WHICH SAYS “WHERE THERE IS A RELATIONSHIP THERE IS SEPERATION “–YOU WILL SEE HIM SOON –MAY HE HAS LANDED AS YOU READ THIS —
REMINDS ME OF WORDS FROM A PAUL ANKA NUMBER “PAPA”
CHILDREN LIVE THROUGH YOU
LET THEM GROW THEY WILL LEAVE YOU TOO-
At some point every bird must leave the nest…I’m certain that you’ve given him the necessary life lessons to do well…peace be with you.
Peace over all of this is something I am working on..believe me. 🙂
Empty nest nearly killed me Doraz. I ran away from home and was gone for 5 years. Luckily I came to my senses and my family understood.
I think the number 1 thing for me was I had nobody to talk to who told me it was normal to feel so lousy. I was happy for my sons but very unhappy for me. Everyone told me things like “now you can do whatever you want” and “this is what you raised them for, to fly the coop” and hence, I stopped trying to talk to anyone. I WAS doing what I wanted and just couldn’t imagine my life without my boys in their own beds each night. It killed me for a bit.
It’s a real thing. Don’t take it lightly. Talk, talk, talk. It’s the best thing. Take dance lessons or try something different. Try and open up a few “new” doors.
My best to you. This is something I truly understand.
Hi Joy,
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with me. I do appreciate your support. I wish I could have been there for you. You bring up some very important facts. I am listening and I have no problem talking it out. lol I love to talk. I love that people like you care.Thank you. 🙂 Stay well and happy. Regards to your family.
YOU ARE CORRECT WITH REGARD TO INDIA –IT IS THE DUTY OF THE CHILDREN TO TAKE CARE OF THE OLD PARENTS–MY FRIEND TAKES CARE OF HIS MOTHER ,UNCLE AND HIS AUNTY ALL IN THEIR 80S WITHOUT MURMERING—TO THIS DAY I NEVER HEARD HIM SAY IT IS TAXING HIM OR IS TIRED OF IT -THERE ARE FAMILIES WHERE ALL IN LAWS LIVE IN A BIG HOUSE WITHOUT A BATTLE -WE CALL IT JOINT FAMILY–HOWEVER WITH MOST FAMILIES HAVING THEIR CHILDREN LIVING/WORKING ABROAD THEE ARE INSTANCES OF OLD PEOPLE LIVING IN OLD AGE HOMES-PARENTS ALSO DO NOT WANT TO BURDEN THEIR CHILDREN WITH THEIR SICK BODIES–
AS FOR THE EMPTY NEST SYNDROME SOMETIMES IT LEADS TO EMPTY HEAD SYNDROME, THAT IS, NOTHING GETS SERIOUSLY REGISTERED IN YOUR SMALL HEAD – I FEEL IT VERY OFTEN– I LISTEN BUT I DONT LISTEN WELL ENOUGH -GET IT?
Lviss, I love taking care of my mom. I also believe that children should provide them with love and nurturing in their old age…and even in their younger years. lol My son has not left yet. Today he was told of an exam for a Criminalist position he had applied to. He will take it, of course.