As youngsters head to uni, here’s advice for ‘empty nesters’

AS SEPTEMBER gets under way parents waving young people off to university may be feeling a mixture of emotions.

Here, CABA, the well-being charity, shares some tips on coping with so-called “empty nest syndrome”.

What is empty nest syndrome?

If you’re a parent whose child is about to leave for or has just started university, you’ll no doubt feel happy they have achieved a place and are embarking on an exciting new adventure.

At the same time, you may feel a sense of sadness or loneliness.

Talk to other empty nesters

Getting things off your chest and acknowledging how you feel can bring immediate relief too.

Forums such as Mumsnet, Family Lives or Netmums all are a good place to connect with other empty nesters.

Reconnect as a couple

Many parents struggle with empty nest syndrome because they feel time with their partner over the years has been lost to family chats – and now suddenly, it’s just the two of them.

If you’re lost for conversation, save the awkwardness and tell your partner how you feel.

Try doing things you used to do for fun before your family came along.

Delay any drastic changes

Once your children have left home you may be tempted to make changes to fill the void, such as moving to a new house for instance.

But while it may feel a big part of your life is coming to an end, take the time to fully adjust to your new situation before you make any major decisions.

Try not to pester

When your child first leaves home they’ll probably want to stay in touch regularly.

But it’s important to give them space to adjust to their new life, so try to avoid smothering them by constantly monitoring their social media or calling them too often.