A Different Empty Nest
June 25th 2009 by admin

This post is brought to you by Mindy from Mommies With Cents

Enjoy!

The term “Empty Nest” can be used in a few different ways. Maybe you’ve experienced “Empty Nest Syndrome” when your child went away to college or when your child moved out to get married. I am going to experience my first “Empty Nest” experience this next school year. My daughter is headed to preschool. dun dun duuunnn

 

Since she turns 3 in October, she will not be old enough to go at the beginning of the year, but the school is going to evaluate her and get her started in January- half way through the school year. She has NEVER been away from me! (Enter waterworkss!) Being a stay-at-home mom is challenging, but I never realized the bond I have formed with her until I started thinking about her being away from me.

 

Millions of thoughts have gone through my mind. “What if she’s scared that I’m not there?” Even worse, “What if she doesn’t even realize that I’m not there and doesn’t miss me?” These are all common feelings for any parent. The best way to ease Empty Nest Syndrome is to start preparing for the big day. Prepare mentally and physically for the transition between your child(ren) and yourself. Also, stay busy with your child(ren) gone. Volunteer, get a job, or tend to other children. This will make the time a little easier.

 

Whether it be preschool, college, marriage, or just moving out, know that your child(ren) is only a phone call away. Sit back, relax and take a deep breath. They will be with you in your heart and mind and will never forget the time they have had with you and value it just as you have valued your time with them.

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Mindy is a wife and mother of two- a daughter, Reese (October 06) and a son, Ty (November 08). She met her husband in college and has been married since 2003. Mindy resides in Southern Indiana and is a Kentucky/Indiana girl at heart. She has a B.A. in Advertising and is currently working on her MBA in Health Care Management. She really enjoys blogging and gets excited when she saves money! Mindy is a social butterfly and enjoys spending her spare time with friends and family.


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Uncategorized1,287 Comments
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  1. Oh this hits it right on the button.
    I am always thinking these thoughts about my 4 year old

    Comment by Mona — June 25, 2009 at 7:36 pm

  2. People think that “Seperation Anxiety” only occurs in children. This post reflects the contrary and I do agree that parents are just a nervous as children are when they are seperated even for a short period of time.

    Comment by France — June 25, 2009 at 7:57 pm

  3. Mindy – I agree, but letting go, especially when it is that final step off to college, is very difficult. When my youngest left for college two years ago, I would wander around the house looking for things to do. At times I would find myself in tears, lonely. But with time I found ways to enjoy the freedom my empty nest left me with.

    Comment by Sharon — June 25, 2009 at 8:25 pm

  4. I dig France. We thought that only kids feel this kind of depression when separated. Little do we know that being separated from their(parents) children is harder. Parents experience this condition even when their children are old enough to live on their own (like goin to college or getting married). I don’t think there are parents that can let go of their children without feeling this “separation anxiety”. Gosh, I miss those old times…

    Comment by mon — June 25, 2009 at 8:40 pm

  5. No matter what – it always feels like an “empty nest”. I’ve watched 4 kids grow up and move away to college. Whether it be dropping them off at their first day of preschool or dropping them off at their dorm – it’s very bitter sweet to watch your children grow up and gain their own independence. But! It does get easier! They’ll always be your baby, but at least the older they get they can become your friends!

    Comment by Lynda — June 25, 2009 at 8:41 pm

  6. I know parents are nervous whenever they are separated with their kids especially at younger age. I have experienced that too with all my kids on their first time at school.

    Comment by marie — June 25, 2009 at 8:43 pm

  7. Separation anxiety isn’t just for kids. A lot of parents feel acutely nervous when their child begins school or leaves for summer camp. You may worry about your child’s adjustment, or just miss spending time with him. While this is completely normal, there are ways you can alleviate your stress when your child flies the coop. Stay busy, Get support from other parents, Enjoy your time!, Never make your child feel guilty, Exchange tokens with your child.

    Comment by Hart — June 25, 2009 at 8:53 pm

  8. Both the parents and the child(ren) feel this kind of depression whenever they get separated from each other. Well, I’ve felt that when I went to college. Often times, I find myself in tears. But in due time, I was able to overcome that ‘empty space” stage. OH! those days. I believe that my parents have gone through that experience as well since I was a home buddy and family-oriented.

    Comment by Grace — June 25, 2009 at 9:02 pm

  9. Of course as a parent i miss my kids but when i think back to my first days of college, it just reminds me of how excited i was to be free and on my own. I think it’s good to give the kids their space to explore.

    Comment by Melanie — June 25, 2009 at 9:22 pm

  10. Hi Mindy. I deeply understand where you’re coming from. I’ve been there, felt that. I have a 4 year old son and he started to go to school last year, when he was 3. I hardly decided whether to let him go to school or not. Because I don’t want him to be away from me. And mostly, I worried about his safety. But I looked on the brighter side. Letting our child go to school will make them explore and experience new things that will develop their skills and personality. Just keep your self busy and productive during your free time at home. For sure time will fly so fast and there comes your son again; running back to you from school; giving you a sweet kiss and a big hug. ^_^

    Comment by Kate — June 25, 2009 at 10:24 pm

  11. Hey, have you seen this news article?
    New details about Michael Jackson’s Death Emerge
    I was wondering if you were going to blog about this…

    Comment by Michael — June 26, 2009 at 6:22 am

  12. It’s not always about the ’separation anxiety’ or ‘empty nest’ thing. Sometimes, letting go and separation is for the better. It gives the chance for the kids to have the 2 E’s: exploration and experience. :D

    Comment by Anico — June 26, 2009 at 12:45 pm

  13. The biggest thing for me was not having enough to do. I just started writing a book and I have found a new life!

    Comment by Jane E — June 26, 2009 at 3:56 pm

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