Empty Nest Syndrome: When Loneliness Invades The Home
Have you ever felt lonely? If you’ve been a parent, you’ve certainly lived the reality in which your kids grow up and leave home. This loneliness you feel and fear is known as the empty nest syndrome.
All our emotions and feelings are influenced by what goes on around us. This not only includes work or family situations, but people also play a very important role.
We could say that people play a key role in this regard, as they are primarily responsible for our emotions.
In the case of parents, children sooner or later leave the nest. They know this, but it is difficult, when the time comes, to face the loneliness of home. A home that has changed and that, for them, is now filled with memories.
The empty nest syndrome and loss
Empty nest syndrome can be defined by a single word: loss. The loss of children who decided to be independent, live alone to study far from home, or simply make their own life and build a family.
It is possible that mothers are the ones who most experience the feeling of loneliness at home. They carried us inside and feel much more connected with their children.
In some ways, they are an important part of them and feel tremendously responsible for what may happen.
But suddenly you notice that your son’s room is empty. You don’t have to worry about what time he will arrive, and you won’t even get a chance to argue.
Everything has changed and that, as fathers or mothers, saddens us. On many occasions, you begin to develop behaviors that your child may blame, such as calling him every day.
It’s normal, you miss this contact and daily communication. However, everything has changed.
This situation is much more difficult for parents who are alone. If you are a couple, the empty nest syndrome is very easy to overcome, but when you are alone the feeling of loneliness increases.
Despite this, it is a situation that we have to respect and know how to face in the best way possible. Sadness and homesickness are normal. Although it is difficult, it is time to accept that the birds have flown from the nest.
The current situation of young people
The empty nest syndrome is negatively fed by the current situation that young people have to live. There are many who, at an advanced age, have not yet achieved independence.
Unemployment, a precarious work situation, lack of motivation or the comfort of being in the parents’ house, encourages parents to believe that their children will be with them all their lives.
In the event that a job comes up, it is normal for it to be very far from home, sometimes it is even necessary to change cities. This saddens parents even more, who may not be prepared to face this sudden situation.
When children make a living and have their own family away from their parents, the feeling of unease increases when parents are unable to care for and connect with their grandchildren.
Overcome the children’s departure
The relationship between parents and children will determine the severity or not of this syndrome. As we mentioned, parents who are alone will be more affected. Nevertheless, with effort, this can be overcome.
- Accept the situation: on some occasions we try to go against a circumstance that is not up to us to resolve. It’s time to accept that the children are gone to make their own lives.
- Focus on your partner: If you are still married, sometimes the relationship gets sidelined because you focus all your attention on your children. Now is the time to do things together and regain some of our married life.
- Don’t stay at home: whether you’re alone or as a couple, it’s time to recover certain healthy social habits. Hanging out with friends, going for a walk, or doing fun activities can make you forget the loneliness you feel when you come home.
The empty nest syndrome is difficult to overcome, but let us not forget that it is a stage that every parent, sooner or later, goes through.
Accepting the situation, understanding it and making an effort to take it in the best way, are actions that will be our great allies.
