For many, the moment when a child leaves home can be bittersweet and emotionally challenging, leading to symptoms associated with a common phenomenon called Empty Nest Syndrome (ENS). AIA Vitality Ambassador and proud parent of three, Ian Jones, is getting an insight into what this feels like as his youngest child is the first to leave home. But Ian says it’s not all bad, and there can be a lot of positives that come out of such a significant life event.
ENS refers to the feelings of loss, grief or sadness that some parents experience when their children move out of home to go to university, start a job, move in with friends or a partner. While this is an exciting moment for our children, it can lead to an overwhelming sense of loneliness and worry for parents, with some even experiencing a loss of purpose. This is a very normal feeling, given your children have been the most important focus of your life for since they were born.
The feelings of ENS will be different for every parent. For some, the symptoms last for a few weeks while for others, they can persist for much longer. So, what are the symptoms of ENS?
Priory, the leading independent provider of mental healthcare and adult social care in the UK, reports that ENS is characterised by feelings of loss, grief, sadness and loneliness1. Parents experiencing ENS often find it difficult to accept that their children no longer need to be cared for and they worry for their child’s safety, while also experiencing a loss of parental identity.
Ian says as well as the inevitable sadness parents experience when their kids leave home, it can also lead to a feeling of excitement for the next chapter that is about to begin. This includes being able to make more time for yourself, your partner and the things you love doing.
He says his youngest leaving home was a moment of great pride, as he watched him go out into the world, ready to achieve and experience so much.
“It’s definitely different not having a full house, but it’s also wonderful. We’re really excited for our youngest to have the opportunity to leave home and experience all that comes with it. But equally, when we get the opportunity to see him again and hang out, we really look forward to it,” says Ian.
“Our kids know they’ll always have a home, a listening ear, and we will always be there to support them. That’s what we find comfort in.”
Ian has shared some top tips he found helpful to prepare for any feeling of ENS.
Firstly, Ian highlights the importance of ensuring your children are independent before they leave home.
“You need to make sure those apron strings are cut before they leave. Your kids need to know they’re supported, but making sure they can live independently is so important because it’s a crazy world out there,” says Ian.
“They will make mistakes and that’s actually a good thing. You should instead have 100% faith that your words and actions over the last 20 or so years have given them the grounding and knowledge they need to go out into the world, confidently be themselves and also contribute to our society. At the end of the day, we want them to be really active members of our communities and to have a positive impact on the world.”
For many parents, regular communication with their children helps to alleviate the symptoms of ENS. This can include weekly texts, emails or phone calls. Ian says it can be as simple as a text to ask if they need anything, or to invite them home for dinner.
Ian says that in times of stress and loneliness, reaching out for support from your partner, family or friends is also important. For Ian, he finds comfort in talking to or spending time with his wife.
A positive of having his children starting to move out of home is that it has freed up more time for him to do activities he loves and that make him feel good, like going on bike rides with mates, and hikes with his wife.
“I love training and now I have a bit more freedom to do events and go cycling or running with friends. I don’t think it’s selfish to make yourself and your partner or friends a priority, particularly in this later stage in life,” says Ian.
So what happens when you ease into life as an empty nester, and then your children decide to return home?
While it can be hard coming to terms with children fleeing the nest, it can also be difficult to readjust if they decide to return home. If children return home, whether for a short stay or an extended period, it’s important for parents to remember they are experiencing their own significant transition. They are learning to be independent and how to manage their own lives, whilst dealing with the challenges of being an adult. With the cost of living challenges, more adult children in New Zealand are returning home to save money. Ian’s advice on this, is that while parents instinctively care for and worry about their children, it's important to put boundaries in place if they do return home.
“Boundaries are there through the various stages of your kids’ lives and so, if they do return home as an adult, it’s important to still have boundaries, so you're able to coexist harmoniously.”
While it’s natural to experience temporary feelings of sadness or loneliness when children leave home, if this distress is ongoing and disrupts your everyday routine, it’s important to consider seeking professional support. A conversation with your doctor or therapist will help you identify coping mechanisms and explore ways to make the most of this newfound freedom.
Like Ian, it’s important to be positive about this next chapter for both you and your children. According to Ian, the best way to combat feelings associated with ENS is to get excited about the future.
“We are really looking forward to watching our kids and their generation change the world. We are excited to see our kids contribute to society, and to see where their careers and values will take them,” says Ian.
“As parents we’ve had our time being their number one priority and now, that priority should be their friends and partner. That’s really rewarding for us to watch, and we love witnessing their growth.”
