Page 35 - Inspire Health July/August 2016
P. 35
longevity •
CLIFHEANGES “My husband and I sat
The day you have waited for is here — the kids down at the dinner table
are off to college and the house is yours again. with nothing to say to each
other. That’s when I realized
Mixed emotions are the By Patricia Danflous we hadn’t really talked
first signs of empty nest about anything other than
syndrome. You know the hadn’t really talked about anything other our kids for a generation.”
feeling, when the last child leaves and than our kids for a generation. And we
the joy of raising children to adulthood missed all the commotion, noise and time for yourself and each other when
conflicts with the sadness of losing the even the midnight pizza deliveries we there is just the two of you.
connection with your child. had complained about so often.”
“We were really looking forward to Believe it or not, American
having some time to put ourselves first, According to a Mayo Clinic report, Psychological Association studies
maybe plan a few three‑day weekends past research indicated that empty nest indicate that it is not the miserable
at the lake or try one of those ‘drink syndrome could lead to depression, moms but rather the devastated dads
wine while you paint’ parties, when our marital conflict (many couples often who experience the most problems.
youngest daughter started the University divorce when the kids are gone), Of course, most parents do feel a sense
of Texas,” says a 48‑year‑old mother alcoholism or other life‑interfering of loss when any child “grows up” and
of three girls. “But something else problems. However, current research departs the family home. APA research
happened. My husband and I sat down shows that there are benefits to also shows parental involvement in
at the dinner table with nothing to say achieving an empty nest home. For college students’ lives lessens the
to each other. That’s when I realized we example, if you and your spouse severity of empty nest syndrome. But
continually disagreed about ways to raise keeping in touch now is easier and more
a child, you may discover a new sense of economical than ever — e‑mail, texting,
harmony. You will definitely have more an old‑fashioned phone call (from time to
time!), video calls and a quick Facebook
scan keep the connection doors open.
PSYCHOLOGISTS AND
OTHER PARENTS OFFER
THIS ADVICE FOR COPING:
ACCEPT THE SITUATION
You did a great job raising
your child. Celebrate his or her
maturing and be supportive.
KEEP IN TOUCH
Don’t wait for your child to be the
first to contact you. More than
likely, he or she is just as anxious
to talk or text as you are.
CELEBRATE, CELEBRATE AND RELAX
Enjoy this time. Remember,
there is a growing trend for adult
children to move back home and
stay quite a while.
CONSULT A PROFESSIONAL
If you do experience severe
sadness or depression, you may
want to see your physician or
mental health specialist.
JULY | AUGUST 2016 INSPIRE HEALTH 35
CLIFHEANGES “My husband and I sat
The day you have waited for is here — the kids down at the dinner table
are off to college and the house is yours again. with nothing to say to each
other. That’s when I realized
Mixed emotions are the By Patricia Danflous we hadn’t really talked
first signs of empty nest about anything other than
syndrome. You know the hadn’t really talked about anything other our kids for a generation.”
feeling, when the last child leaves and than our kids for a generation. And we
the joy of raising children to adulthood missed all the commotion, noise and time for yourself and each other when
conflicts with the sadness of losing the even the midnight pizza deliveries we there is just the two of you.
connection with your child. had complained about so often.”
“We were really looking forward to Believe it or not, American
having some time to put ourselves first, According to a Mayo Clinic report, Psychological Association studies
maybe plan a few three‑day weekends past research indicated that empty nest indicate that it is not the miserable
at the lake or try one of those ‘drink syndrome could lead to depression, moms but rather the devastated dads
wine while you paint’ parties, when our marital conflict (many couples often who experience the most problems.
youngest daughter started the University divorce when the kids are gone), Of course, most parents do feel a sense
of Texas,” says a 48‑year‑old mother alcoholism or other life‑interfering of loss when any child “grows up” and
of three girls. “But something else problems. However, current research departs the family home. APA research
happened. My husband and I sat down shows that there are benefits to also shows parental involvement in
at the dinner table with nothing to say achieving an empty nest home. For college students’ lives lessens the
to each other. That’s when I realized we example, if you and your spouse severity of empty nest syndrome. But
continually disagreed about ways to raise keeping in touch now is easier and more
a child, you may discover a new sense of economical than ever — e‑mail, texting,
harmony. You will definitely have more an old‑fashioned phone call (from time to
time!), video calls and a quick Facebook
scan keep the connection doors open.
PSYCHOLOGISTS AND
OTHER PARENTS OFFER
THIS ADVICE FOR COPING:
ACCEPT THE SITUATION
You did a great job raising
your child. Celebrate his or her
maturing and be supportive.
KEEP IN TOUCH
Don’t wait for your child to be the
first to contact you. More than
likely, he or she is just as anxious
to talk or text as you are.
CELEBRATE, CELEBRATE AND RELAX
Enjoy this time. Remember,
there is a growing trend for adult
children to move back home and
stay quite a while.
CONSULT A PROFESSIONAL
If you do experience severe
sadness or depression, you may
want to see your physician or
mental health specialist.
JULY | AUGUST 2016 INSPIRE HEALTH 35
