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How To Deal With An Empty Nest

Time can be a funny, tricky thing. When you're mired in the duties and blessings your children provide you when they are young, you never think that in what seems like the blink of an eye you will be packing their things away as they head off to college or to homes of their own. Even if you would rather they not grow up, you know that they will, and one day they have to find their own life paths. This is a pretty scary moment in your life as well, as you ponder the days of loneliness ahead. Nevertheless, with the right attitude, you can overcome this major change in your life with relative ease.

Before sobbing or celebrating, whichever is your tendency when you first come home to an empty nest, remember that you will always be a parent. Your kids are not as dependent on you as they once were; however, they still want a connection with you. When children are small, they are dependent on you. It is your responsibility to give them the skills and knowledge they need to become independent people. After they have grown, this dependent relationship develops into something more. They may still need some guidance, and there is still a lot you can teach them. Gradually, however, there will be things that they can teach you. As long as you do not try to control your child's life, the parent-child bond will transform to a beautiful mutual friendship.

Though the empty nest may leave you feeling low, this is the perfect opportunity to bring back the romance in your marriage. Generally when the kids come into the picture, most spouses do not find much time for each other. Parenting is a full-time job. Often parents are too tired or rushed to find the time for brief romantic interludes. However, with the kids now out of the picture, you can go back to being newlyweds, taking off for an impromptu dinner date, going for a long romantic drive, or simply spending the night talking to each other, rediscovering the joy of just being together. This is the perfect opportunity to rediscover your love for your spouse who has been a companion for you over all the exciting, busy years of child-rearing. Strengthen the bonds of friendship you have with your spouse or even rediscover your romantic side.

Single parents especially would have missed out on companionship and romance. Now you can take this opportunity to meet new people, rekindle old friendships, and carve out a new social life for yourself.

Now is the time to begin pursuing that hobby you have always wanted to try. Join a club and get recharged through exercise and sports activities. How about a couples-only golf outing or a bowling league! Go back to school. This is a much needed break for you from your everyday responsibilities as a parent. You can start living for yourself now, following your dreams.

The best thing to do when your kids are gone is to allow yourself some time to get reacquainted with your new living situation before making any life-altering decisions. Naturally, you should remain connected with your kids, because they may be having a difficult time getting used to their situation as well. It may take a while to adjust, so give yourself that leeway. Once you and your children are used to the new order of life, it's time for some excitement! Savor the new experiences and joys this aspect of life can bring. You prepared your child for life. Job well done! The time has come for a new, exciting chapter in your life. Seize the day!