Empty Nest Syndrome hits many parents as the kids go off to college, get married or just simply leave home. While an empty nest might be hard to adjust to as parents it's a little bit harder if you are a single parent and that last child is leaving the nest. It's easy to become depressed while the adjustment period takes place.
At this time in your life you will have to readjust your thinking to taking care of yourself and not worrying about the kids. It's a fact of life that our little birds fly the coop.
This might be the first time in over 20 years that you will only have to care for yourself and put your own needs first. Quite a foreign concept to many of us single moms.
But empty nesters don't have to become depressed over being on their own and many of us can use this time in our lives to fulfill our own dreams and aspirations.
Instructions
1. As a single parent who is facing an empty nest it's important to make your dream list. Now is the time to write down all the things you'd like to do with your life. Maybe you want to take a dream vacation and travel or maybe you want to write a book. Time is now your friend and not the enemy.
2. Be sociable. If you are a working parent then the hours you spend at work will help offset the quietness of home. If you don't work then maybe it's time to join a group in your community where you can socialize and have fun.
3. Consider dating again. There are online opportunities to meet new people. If online dating is scary to you then look for single groups in your community and join. It's hard to get back out into the dating world especially if you've been single for awhile. Grab the bull by the horns and take a chance on life!
4. Find a hobby. It will keep you busy and occupy your time. It will help you to relax. If you've always wanted to learn salsa dancing now would be the time to take lessons.
If you are a crafty type person most craft stores offer classes in scrap booking, cake decorating as well as knitting and crocheting. It's also a good way to be sociable and meet new people.
5. Take a class at your local community college. Now is the perfect time to even go back to school for that degree you might have bypassed to raise your kids.
6. Keep the tv on so it gives you the feeling of companionship. Hearing other voices will give you the feeling of being less lonely. It's great for background noise as you do your housework or even while you are on the computer.
Music is also a good way to fill that void and blast it if you need to. Sing at the top of your lungs.
7. Get a pet. A dog or cat can be great companions if the house just seems too quiet without the kids. Walking a dog will give you exercise and an added excuse to go outside. Cats are wonderful snugglers (contrary to their reputations of being independent)
8. Keep busy and don't hesitate to call a family member or friend if you are feeling sad or blue. It's common for anyone who is facing an empty nest to have times when it's lonely no matter how busy you might be. The same kids who drove you crazy are now the ones you are missing the most.
9. Keep in touch with your kids. If they have gone away to college text or call them periodically to see how they are doing.
If your kids have gotten married then still spend time with them without invading their privacy.
