14 of 14

Write now Article Tools

Empty nest syndrome - why its hard and how to cure it.

I do not believe there is a cure for empty nest syndrome; but there are ways to deal with this real and often times debilitating condition. Just like post-partum depression empty nest syndrome can affect your whole life. It's real and it's no laughing matter if you're the one dealing with it.

For eighteen to twenty years, and for some longer , you have been responsible for another human beings entire life. You have fed, clothed, bathed, and cared for your child/children twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year for eighteen or more years; then suddenly on their eighteenth birthday your responsibilities is suppose to be over, finished, done. This life that you have cared for, cried for, spent many sleepless nights worrying over is now considered an adult and you're told you must turn them lose, stand back, cut the apron strings and let them scurry off into the world on their own.

Since the first day you brought them home from the hospital they have dominated who you are and what you do. Your life and everything you do or don't do has revolved around them. They are your world. Then just because they turn of age you are suppose to say go, have fun, live your life, my job's over. For those who have been parents you know you can not turn being a parent off like a water faucet. It is a part of who you are and that will never change. It's a dilemma that all parents must face at some time in their life's.

After all, our job as parents is to raise our children to become mature, responsible adults capable of making a life of their own. Once we've accomplished this we're now suddenly left with trying to figure out what do to with our days. Days that once were filled with the daily responsibility of making decision between what was fair and what was safe, what was right and what was wrong are now spent worrying and wondering where and what your child/children are doing. You no longer have a to do list or calendar stuck to the fridge to help you manage your time between football games, piano recitals, bake sales, car-pooling, doctor appointments, and homework. An entire part of you and who you have become is gone, snatch away and replaced with an emptiness that threatens to consume you.

The question now becomes, "Not only, what do you do with your time but how do you overcome the nauseating feelings of loneliness, uselessness, and emptiness that rage through your mind and body?"
Empty nest syndrome affects different people

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Empty nest syndrome: Why it's tough and how to cure it?
We want to hear your view. Write now!