Tips for parents: dealing with empty nest syndrome

It’s a scene that plays out every year across the country: parents dropping their kids off at colleges and universities for their freshman year. And that means many parents are now dealing with empty nests for the first time.
So what’s the best way to manage this transition as a parent? Dr. Ari Zaretsky, Psychiatrist-in-Chief at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre shares his insight and tips.

[@Pinkflo363]

Imagine as a single parent . There is no one when you walk in the door. I never cried more in years.

[@sinceridad5864]

How are you feeling?

[@Pinkflo363]

@@sinceridad5864 i feel ok now. I go out with friends and keep busy. Maybe one day I will date again. One step at a time.

[@karo1564]

Same here, double hard as a single parent 😪 a very quit home, I am often in tears

[@honeywest39j95]

I can honestly say that I can relate. And she was also my only child at that. I find myself crying and looking at pictures too…😔

[@moonvenus2004]

Hugs to you...from one mom to another

[@pinkroser.e5112]

My oldest son left one week ago and is being a hard week, eventhough I have 2 more children at home my hearth is sad. I miss my boy 😢

[@EvanMurphyCapstone]

she is utterly lovely.....this? feels impossible.....I am a MOM...that is who I am ! Who I LOVE being......nothing will ever be as beautiful, meaningful and purposeful as motherhood.....and the next person who tells me to " get a hobby" is getting a pop ! As if taking up crochet or any craft / activity will in any way replicate the absolute love and meaning/ devotion/ fulfillment of motherhood ? Ridiculous .....and for the record? I have never wanted to craft, collect or "hobby" .....it is "settling " to " fill my time" blech....I will go on - I am not a melodramatist / self indulgent pity person....but this is hard and irreplaceable as lives go....and no grandkids yet so maybe I will get yet another degree.....still? Nothing will ever have the full spectrum of experience, education, emotion and meaning of being a mother . I accept that ...please don't diminish it

[@MidlifeCredo]

I get her. My fifth is leaving tomorrow and it's a rough bit, even if you have a LOT going on!

[@markcollins1012]

I'm a divorced parent of 4 kids. I feel like I go through this every week when the kids leave. You go from a full house with people in it to all of a sudden complete silence. If feels like being forced into premature and complex empty nest sydrome.

[@sweettea735]

I got here from Toy story. This just explains the plot so well.

[@voodazz]

Maybe she should move into a smaller space. It might help with the emptiness feeling.

[@34Packardphaeton]

... It doesn't happen to just women . . .