As teens head to college this fall, many leave their parents behind to live in an empty nest for the first time since having children. Mom.Me offers tips on how to cope with an empty nest after the kids have gone off to college for the year.
As summer draws to a close and kids head off to college, many parents are dealing with how to handle those first few weeks of empty nest life. To help you get through this transitional time, mom.me has created its own Empty Nest Survival Guide.
Take a side trip
Plan a fun detour on the way home after dropping your kid off at college. Stop at a quaint bed & breakfast for a few nights or visit an old friend. Building in a post-drop-off event you are looking forward to can help take the edge off
the goodbye.
Let your feelings out
You may feel you have to be brave and hold back tears when sending your child off. However, at some point, it¹s healthy to let yourself have a good cry
Pat yourself on the back
Plan a special meal to toast the accomplishment.
Plan communications
Before your child leaves home, discuss how often you should contact each other. Maybe texts are the best way to stay in touch, or a weekly phone call or Skype session. Knowing you can count on regular times to connect can help make you feel less bereft.
Nurture from Afar
Within the first month or so, send off a care package filled with your child’s favorite foods and/or a few mementos from home.
Separate your moods
Take doom and gloom calls with a grain of salt and keep in mind that usually your child will recover faster than you!
Remember
You’ll adapt: Most parents adjust to the change just fine within a few months. Besides, you aren’t saying goodbye forever. Most schools give students ample time off. Before you know it, your kid will be home for fall break or Thanksgiving, which perhaps, is the most comforting thought of all.
|
This article is courtesy of mom.me.
