We’re a nation of HENs – that’s Happy Empty Nester mums loving life without the children

THE day the children move out of home and start a life of their own is a milestone many mothers dread. Or do they?

Far from rattling about their empty nest, most women find themselves enjoying their new freedom and savouring the pleasure of having their home to themselves.

No one raiding the fridge, piling up washing or coming in at all hours seems to have a way of soothing maternal feelings of loss.

Researchers surveying mothers who had waved their children off gave them the title ‘happy empty nesters’ – or HENs.

One in seven mothers said they were not as upset as they thought they would be after their children flew the nest, and a third said they were ‘relaxed’ about the life change.

The overwhelming majority said they were delighted to see their offspring gaining some independ- ence. Only a quarter of those polled were sad or extremely upset when their children moved out, and fewer than one in ten felt nervous about how their youngsters would cope, the research from retailer Cotton Traders revealed.

The main reason given for embracing ‘HEN- dom’ was the ability to enjoy more ‘adult time’, including romantic dinners with a partner. A fifth of the 3,500 women questioned said they were excited about having more ‘ spontaneous’ fun with their other half without their children getting in the way.

Having the house to themselves was another reason to celebrate being a HEN – a third said their home was now a ‘calmer place’.

Mothers said they had less clearing up to do, and one in five said they loved that rooms stayed clean and tidy for longer. One in eight also enjoyed not having to cook big family dinners.

Others said regaining control over what they watch on television was the best thing about their new child-free status.

Shona Jameson, of Cotton Traders, said: ‘When your children leave home it always brings huge practical and emotional changes but as this research shows, for an increasing number of British women that is often a positive thing.

‘For HENs, it’s often the start of an exciting new chapter in their lives as they get ready to enjoy reclaiming their home and revitalising their relationship.’