The Empty Nest Syndrome: When Loneliness Permeates The Home
Although the empty nest syndrome can affect us when our children are emancipated, we must understand that it is for their good and that it is part of the cycle of lifetime.
Have you ever felt lonely? If you have been a father or mother, surely you have already lived the stage in which your children grow up and leave home. That loneliness you feel and fear is called the empty nest syndrome.
All our emotions and feelings are influenced by what happens around us. This not only covers work or family situations, but people here have a very important role. What’s more, it could be said that people play a fundamental role, since they are the main responsible for our emotions.
In the case of parents, the children sooner or later leave the nest. They know it, but it is hard, when the time comes, to face the loneliness of home. A home that has changed and that, for them, is now steeped in memories.
Empty nest syndrome and loss
Empty nest syndrome can be defined in one word: loss. The loss of children who have decided to emancipate themselves, go to live alone to study away from home or simply make their own lives and build a family.
Mothers may experience loneliness at home the most. They have taken them inside and they feel much more connected with their children. In some way, they are an important part of them and they feel tremendously responsible for what may happen to them.
But all of a sudden you notice that his room is empty. You no longer have to worry about what time it arrives, and you won’t even have a chance to argue.
Everything has changed and that, as a parent, makes you sad. On many occasions, you start to develop behaviors that your child may reproach you, such as calling him every day. It is normal, you miss that contact and daily communication. However, everything has changed.
This situation is much more difficult for parents who are alone. If they are in a couple, the empty nest syndrome is much easier to cope with, but when they are alone the feeling of loneliness increases.
Despite this, it is a situation that we have to respect and know how to deal with in the best way. Sadness and longing are normal. Even if it costs, it is time to accept that the chicks 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 with. There are many who at advanced ages have not yet become emancipated. Unemployment, precarious work situation, lack of motivation or the comfort of being at home with parents, favors them to believe that their children will be with them for life.
In the event that a job arises, it is normal that it is very far from home, sometimes you even have to change country. This saddens even more if possible the parents, who are not prepared to face this sudden situation.
When children make their living and have their own family away from their parents, the feeling of discomfort increases in them as they are unable to care for and connect with their grandchildren.
Overcome the march of the children
It is true that the relationship between parents and children will determine the severity or not of this syndrome. As we have said, parents who are alone will be the most affected. Despite this, with effort, it can be overcome.
- Accept the situation : sometimes we insist on going against a circumstance that is not in our hands to solve. It is time to accept that the children are gone to make their own lives.
- Focus on your partner : if you are in a relationship, sometimes this is relegated because you focus all your attention on your children. Now is the time to do things together and regain some married life.
- Do not stay at home : whether you are alone or as a couple, it is time to regain some healthy social habits. Meeting friends, going for a walk or immersing yourself in fun activities can make you forget the loneliness you feel when you get home.
The empty nest syndrome is difficult to overcome, but let’s 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 deal with it as best we can, will be our great allies.
