How to Cope When Your Only Child Leaves Home

You always knew that your only child was going to leave home, but it always seemed so far away. Now the time has come and you are wondering how you are going to cope with this new stage in your life. These feelings are quite normal and there are several techniques to help make this transition easier.

Instructions

    • 1

      Prepare yourself for the transition. People tend to avoid thinking about situations that may be unpleasant. Ignoring that your child is about to leave home is not going to change the fact that he is leaving. Therefore, allow yourself to think about it, and discuss your feelings with a loved one.

    • 2

      Focus on growth, not loss. Don't think of the situation as you losing a child. Instead, think of what will be gained. Your child will have a chance to grow, develop and find his place in the world. Be proud of him and who you raised him to be.

    • 3

      Stay involved in your child's life. Just because your child is leaving home doesn't mean that you will never see or talk to him again. You don't want to overdo it and smother your child, but you should try to keep in contact on a regular basis. Phone calls, e-mails and text messages are all ways of staying involved. Also, if you can have dates for visits in your mind, this may help the coping process go much more smoothly because you can think about the next time you'll see your child.

    • 4

      Get support if you need it. If you feel as if the sadness is overwhelming, it may help to seek some sort of support. Seek out counseling or an empty nest support group. If this is beyond your comfort zone, it may help to read books or websites about what you are going through.

    • 5

      Do something for yourself. Go on vacation, take up a new hobby or find an organization to volunteer with.

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