Empty Nest Syndrome: When Loneliness Permeates The Home

All of our emotions and feelings are influenced by what is happening around us. This not only includes work or family situations, but it should be noted that the people themselves have a primordial role here in their morale.

People play a fundamental role because they are primarily responsible for their own emotions.

In the case of parents, the children abandon the nest sooner or later. They know it, but it’s hard, once the moment arrives, to face the loneliness of the home. A home that has changed and which, for them, is now steeped in memories.

Empty nest syndrome and loss

The empty nest syndrome can be defined in one word: loss. The loss of children who have decided to emancipate themselves, to go live alone to study away from home or simply make their own lives and build a family.

It is possible that it is the mothers who experience this feeling of loneliness in the home. They have carried their children within them and feel connected to them through a special bond.

In a way, they are an important part of them and they feel extremely responsible for everything that happens to them.

And suddenly you notice that his room is completely empty. You no longer have to think about what time he’ll be home, and you won’t even have the opportunity to argue.

Everything has changed and that, as a progenitor, saddens you. Often times, you start to develop behaviors that your child can complain about, as they call them every day. 

It’s normal, you long for this contact and daily communication. However, everything has changed.

This situation is much more difficult for parents who find themselves alone. If they are in a relationship, empty nest syndrome is much easier to overcome, but if they are alone, the feeling of loneliness increases. 

Despite this, it is a situation that we must respect and know how to face in the best possible way. Sadness and longing are normal. Even if it is difficult, now is the time to accept that the young have flown from the nest.

The current situation of young people

Empty nest syndrome is negatively fueled by a current situation that young people have to experience. There are more and more of those who did not emancipate themselves at advanced ages.

Unemployment, a precarious professional situation, lack of motivation or the comfort of being in the house of his parents, encourages these children to stay there much longer.

If a job does arise, they sometimes have to move away from home or even move to another country. It saddens even more if parents, who are unprepared, have to face this situation all of a sudden.

When children have their lives and their own families away from their parents, the feeling of unease grows as they cannot see them and make a connection with their grandchildren.

Overcome the departure of children

It is obvious that the relationship between parents and children will determine the severity or not of this syndrome. As we said, parents who are alone will be the most affected. Despite this, with effort it is possible to overcome this.

• Accept the situation: Sometimes we insist on going against a circumstance that we cannot solve. Now is the time to accept that our children are gone to make their own lives.
• Concentrate on your relationship: if you are in a relationship, it is sometimes neglected because you focus all your attention on your children. Now is the time to do things together and get back to a healthy married life.
• Do not stay at home: whether you are in a relationship or alone, now is the time to rediscover healthy social habits. Meet up with friends, go for a walk or indulge in activities that make you forget the loneliness you feel when you are at home.

Empty Nest Syndrome is hard to get past, but let’s not forget that it is a stage every parent goes through sooner or later.

Accepting the situation, understanding it and making an effort to overcome it as best as possible will be the best allies.