TABLE OF CONTENTS - EMPTY NEST SYNDROME QUOTES
INTRODUCTION – EMPTY NEST SYNDROME QUOTES
When the last of the children leave home, most parents find themselves on the brink of a very momentous and emotionally difficult time. Indeed, the loss and sorrow that typically accompany the departure of our children from the home result in something that is not clinically identified as a condition but is nonetheless challenging. This condition is better known as Empty nest syndrome.
Many studies such as Bougea, A, Despoti, A, Vasilopoulos, E have demonstrated that a woman might experience negative symptoms of such mental health disorders as depression and anxiety or engage in negative behaviours, such as extreme finance or substance abuse. However, the symptoms can also be positive. Relief and excitement over a new era in life can be part of the empty nest.
The house, formerly a whirlwind of laughter, tears, and celebrations, is now calm and silent. This quiet is dreadful; this void is palpable. However, the latter signals the beginning of a new phase of parenting. Empty Nest Syndrome comes to us all. When it does happen, I don’t think any of us mothers are ready for it. We might have joked over the years that it will be great when the children grow up and start living independently. However, how many of us mean it?
I found the following quotes to be uplifting and meaningful:
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES TO HELP WITH EMPTY NEST SYNDROME
- MOTHERS HOLD THEIR CHILDREN’S HANDS FOR A SHORT WHILE, BUT THEIR HEARTS FOREVER. anonymous
- WATCHING MY SON LEAVE THE NEST IS LIKE WATCHING HIM TAKE HIS FIRST STEPS – BITTERSWEET BUT NECESSARY FOR GROWTH. anonymous
- IT’S HARD TO LET GO, BUT SEEING MY DAUGHTER FLY AWAY AND CREATE HER OWN LIFE FILLS ME WITH PRIDE AND JOY. anonymous
- NOTHING YOU DO FOR YOUR CHILDREN IS EVER WASTED. anonymous
- THERE ARE TWO GIFTS WE CAN GIVE OUR CHILDREN. ONE IS ROOTS AND THE OTHER IS WINGS. anonymous
- IN LETTING YOUR CHILD, YOU ARE LETTING THEM GROW. anonymous
- LETTING GO DOES NOT MEAN ABANDONING YOUR CHILD. IT MEANS EMPOWERING YOUR CHILD TO LEARN RESPONSIBILITY AND TO FEEL CAPABLE. IT’S A GIFT YOU GIVE THEM TO GROW. anonymous
- EMPTY NEST PARENT: IF YOU WANT YOUR KID TO CALL YOU, CHANGE YOUR NETFLIX PASSWORD. anonymous
- YOU CAN FOOL EVERYBODY SOME OF THE TIME, AND YOU CAN FOOL SOMEBODY ALL OF THE TIME, BUT YOU CAN’T FOOL YOUR MOTHER. anonymous
- A MOTHER’S JOB IS TO TEACH HER CHILDREN NOT TO NEED HER ANYMORE. THE HARDEST PART OF THAT JOB IS ACCEPTING SUCCESS.
STRATEGIES TO EMBRACE THE NEW CHAPTER OF EMPTY NEST SYNDROME
RECONNECT WITH YOURSELF
Empty nesting can be a time when parents experience the whole spectrum of emotions and face many challenges, but it can also be an excellent way of self-discovery and growth. There are several ways to make the best of this experience. First, it is beneficial to connect with oneself. This involves reflecting on personal interests.
PURSUE A NEW INTEREST
Join a Club or a Group to participate in activities that appeal to you. That could be a book club, a gardening organisation, or a hiking group. These kinds of activities may be effective in countering loneliness.
INVEST IN YOUR HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
Exercise regularly. Physical activity is an excellent way for the human body to feel better physically and maintain overall well-being. Sign up for a gym, yoga, or daily walk. Mindfulness and meditation can be of great benefit. The aim is to treat stress and emotional health; you’ll find many apps and other online materials to project these actions.
VOLUNTEER AND GIVE BACK
Community involvement: volunteering can be essential to finding purpose and community. Identify local organisations or causes you are passionate about and consider how to donate your time or talents to help. Mentorship: You may also give back to the community by mentoring younger people undertaking studies in your field. Sharing your expertise and wisdom may be gratifying.
STAY CONNECTED WITH YOUR ADULT KIDS
- Regular contact: Stay in contact through calls better through video calls, or message them regularly. A close connection can help reduce the burden and keep the family connection strong together.
- Allow them to be independent: Give your children the freedom you need and empower them to drive. Being proud of your children creates a feeling of dignity and helps you feel more content.
RECONNECT WITH YOUR PARTNER
If you have a partner, the empty nest phase will also allow you to reconnect with your partner tremendously. Now that the demands of parenting are reduced, you will have more time to spend with each other. In this view, you should strive to make the most of this opportunity with:
Regular Date Nights: Date nights can help maintain intimacy between you and your partner. Designating the same day each week or month can help guarantee quality time together. Whether you go out to your favourite restaurant, fix dinner at home and watch movies, a date night allows you to concentrate on one another without any disturbances.
Therefore, you should utilise this opportunity to explore your interests as a couple. Cooking lessons, dance classes, and travelling to exciting places are all opportunities. New experiences help impressionable memories, and they help you grow together.
MY EXPERIENCE OF EMPTY NEST SYNDROME
I will never forget the pain of when my teenage son decided to leave home and live with his father. I knew it was only a matter of time before he wanted to see what it would be like to live with him. He barely remembered his father as we split up when the kids were little. I knew he had to do it as he had to get it out of his system. It was like a death in the family; I felt that I would never recover from the pain that I was experiencing.
I had to keep reminding myself that my son wasn’t dead; he was alive and healthy. In the meantime, I just had to get on with everyday life and see to my daughter, who was still living at home.
Thankfully, my son did return to live at home again, and everything worked out well. I learned a lot during that period. I knew that no matter where my son lived, he would still be my son, and we would always be close.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, Empty Nest Syndrome significantly impacts every parent’s journey. This phase is characterised by an almost spiritual loss and a longing for one’s identity that is closely tied to one’s child. However, it is also a unique chance to change and grow in finding oneself.
https://lindamcowan.com/30-days-to-reduce-anxiety
