It can trigger *** wide range of emotions, everything from pride and joy to loneliness and grief. Your love care guidance goes beyond the four walls of your home to their new location. This is going to help you to ask thoughtful questions and stay connected to understanding what's happening in their everyday life. Remember that it is not just about filling your time, but finding things that give you *** sense of purpose.
As children leave home for college or to start a job, parents may experience a range of emotions, including pride, joy, loneliness, and grief, according to Susan Albers, a clinical psychologist at Cleveland Clinic."It can trigger a wide range of emotions, everything from pride and joy to loneliness and grief," Albers said.Albers emphasizes that this transition marks the beginning of a new chapter in parenting, suggesting that parents view the nest as expanded rather than empty. She advises parents to remain involved in their children's lives without hovering, recommending following the school's social media pages or reading campus newsletters to stay informed."This is going to help you to ask thoughtful questions and stay connected to understanding what's happening in their everyday life," Albers said.To cope with feelings of sadness, Albers recommends acknowledging emotions and establishing a daily connection ritual, such as talking or texting with your child. She encourages focusing on personal gains, like pursuing hobbies, learning new skills, volunteering, reconnecting with partners or friends, or traveling."Remember that it is not just about filling your time, but finding things that give you a sense of purpose, not just being busy, but feeling really fulfilled," Albers said.Albers also suggests setting a new routine to provide emotional stability and giving the home a fresh start by rearranging a room, planting flowers, or creating a hobby space. These actions signal to the brain that life is progressing positively.
As children leave home for college or to start a job, parents may experience a range of emotions, including pride, joy, loneliness, and grief, according to Susan Albers, a clinical psychologist at Cleveland Clinic.
"It can trigger a wide range of emotions, everything from pride and joy to loneliness and grief," Albers said.
Albers emphasizes that this transition marks the beginning of a new chapter in parenting, suggesting that parents view the nest as expanded rather than empty. She advises parents to remain involved in their children's lives without hovering, recommending following the school's social media pages or reading campus newsletters to stay informed.
"This is going to help you to ask thoughtful questions and stay connected to understanding what's happening in their everyday life," Albers said.
To cope with feelings of sadness, Albers recommends acknowledging emotions and establishing a daily connection ritual, such as talking or texting with your child. She encourages focusing on personal gains, like pursuing hobbies, learning new skills, volunteering, reconnecting with partners or friends, or traveling.
"Remember that it is not just about filling your time, but finding things that give you a sense of purpose, not just being busy, but feeling really fulfilled," Albers said.
Albers also suggests setting a new routine to provide emotional stability and giving the home a fresh start by rearranging a room, planting flowers, or creating a hobby space. These actions signal to the brain that life is progressing positively.
