Empty Nest

The first time you held them was when they were the size of your forearm.  You wept and watched them grow ever since.  The time has flown by and it is now time for them to go out on their own.  Below are three tips to help you let go of your adult children and embrace the “empty nest.”

1-     It you let them go they will make mistakes, but you must allow them.  As they leave the nest, they will always have the upbringing and guidance that you have taught them since they were little.  Realize that in healthy families parents do have a great influence on how their children think and react to situations.  If the mistake is serious enough, you will undoubtedly hear about it from your child.

2-     Self-discovery will allow greater changes than orders from other individuals.  This is a simple law of cognitive behavior.  If you don’t believe me think about this scenario.  Which will have a greater impact on the individual to allow them not to repeat the undesired behavior: the parent telling the child not to touch the hot stove, or the child touching the hot stove and slightly burning their self?  As your child grows when they discover their own mistakes they will make adjustments.  It may not be as fast as you would like, but the race is no longer yours but theirs.

3-     The nest is not empty.  It is often referred to as “Empty Nest Syndrome,” but in fact the nest is not empty.  This is an opportunity to reconnect with your spouse, other family, and friends that have always been on the backburner.  You can use this time to start new hobbies and passions, or just finally have some time to breath and not lead. 

When someone or something leaves, something else will fill its place.  Let go and enjoy your empty nest.

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