Family Matters: Empty Nest

This is a time when many families experience major changes. Many families are getting ready to send their child off to college. Some children are "leaving the Nest to get married or just start an independent life. Whatever the reason, the time has come to let them fly into the real world.

At this stage of a parent's life they may also be coping with other changes. Such as caring for their own increasingly dependent parents or having their own mid-life health issues such as menopause.

Parents respond to this life change in different ways. Some may experience a feeling of release from the anxiety of parenting, while others may become depressed, sad, or lonely. Or, parents may experience a middle ground between these emotions.

- How to "Let Go"

Accept that your relationship with your child has changed, and that you need to let your child be responsible for their lives.

Look to your family and friends for kindness and support. One mom whose son was going away to college dealt with her empty next syndrome by being involved in what she called "The Mom's Club." The mother's of her son's high school friends, who also left home, would meat on a regular basis to offer up a diversion, comfort and support for each other as they faced new stages of parenting.

Do Something good for yourself. For example, you could take more grown-up trips that you could never take with younger children.

Consider putting your energy into your favorite hobby or volunteer program.

Take an inventory of any educational or career paths you might pursue now that your parenting responsibilities have changed.

If this experience is causing symptoms of depression such as inability to concentrate, wide emotional swings, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, you should consult with a professional health care provider.