How to Cope With the Moving of Adult Children & Grandchildren
Children don't stay small forever. They become adults and give their parents the gift of grandchildren. Holidays mean a full table at Grandma's and a house full of family. We take the presence of our adult children for granted until a new job offer or other opportunity brings about a move. Suddenly, life without our children or grandchildren looms before us. Take heart -- we lived without our children before they were born. Coping with the move means keeping as close as we can while enjoying a new phase of life.
Instructions
Develop your support circle before your adult children move. Your friends can lend a shoulder to cry on and share their own life experience. In addition to helping you cope, friends provide a social life. Keep yourself from dwelling on your loss by staying connected to friends and loved ones who live nearby. Make a plan with your adult children about visits, phone calls and other contact. Scheduling that first visit with your grandchildren will make you feel better. Check out your favorite hotel's website to plan where you will stay. Consider starting an account on the social website that your adult children or grandchildren use to make contact easier. Learn about technology. Bridge the distance between you and your grandchildren after the move by installing a web cam on your computer so you and the kids can chat face-to-face. For younger grandchildren, investigate toys that allow you to record your voice. If technology intimidates you, check with your local library (see Resources) for classes to learn computer skills. Pick new activities that involve children. Teach a class at your local place of worship or volunteer at a children's hospital. If you are feeling entrepreneurial, start your own home daycare center. Stay focused on your significant other. Enjoy the freedom you now have and rediscover life as a couple. Pick some activities that you couldn't do with children such as dancing or concerts. Have real dates again. Take care of yourself. Coping with your adult children's move is stressful on the body and spirit. Don't be afraid to spoil yourself -- within limit. If you find that feelings of loneliness for your grandchildren interferes with your daily life, see your doctor and get a referral for counseling. With time, you will find that coping with the move of your children and grandchildren will become easier.
