Empty nest syndrome
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Empty nest syndrome is a general feeling of loneliness that parents or guardians may feel when one or more of their children leave home; it is more common in women. The marriage of a child can lead to similar feelings, with the role and influence of the parents often becoming less important compared to the new spouse.
A strong maternal or paternal bond between the parent and child can make the condition worse. The role of the parent while the child is still living with them is more hands-on and immediate than is possible when they have moved out, particularly if the distance means that visits are difficult.
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[edit] About
When children grow up and are preparing to move or have already moved away, parents and guardians can develop what is called “Empty Nest Syndrome”, the term references when chicks are old and learned enough to fly and leave the bird nest. 'Empty Nest Syndrome' can be generally characterised as collective or individual feelings of sadness, loneliness, grief, depression, feelings of abandonment and purposelessness, after fulfilling their duty as a carer.
[edit] Support
Although a common condition, many parents and guardians suffer from these feelings alone without recognising it as a common issue or understanding how to deal with it, in light of this there are various support forums and friendly chat rooms online specifically there to discuss feelings surrounding 'Empty Nest Syndrome'.
The charity 'Parentline' due to the number of those affected, has also set up an advice line to deal solely with those dealing with an empty nest. Parents and guardians are also encouraged to focus on the positives, large polls have concluded that the majority of parents and guardians had found once their children had left home, that they had more money each month to spend on themselves, on average felt ten years younger, had an increased number of friends, and felt their romantic relationship and love life had improved.
Parents and guardians are also able to concentrate more upon themselves, doing and achieving things they were unable to do whilst they were preoccupied with child care, such as starting their own business, starting a course, starting a hobby or travelling etc.
Empty nest syndrome has become more prevalent in modern times, as the extended family is becoming less common than in past generations.
In many cultures, such as those in Africa, India, the Middle East, and East Asia, one's elderly parents are held in very high esteem and it is considered almost a duty to care for and respect them. In contrast to most Western societies, extended families were common in those places. However, nowadays, even in these countries, as cities become more Westernized and industrialized, values are gradually changing. It is sometimes rather inconvenient or impractical to live with, or care extensively for, one's parents in a modern setting. Empty nest syndrome is starting to surface in some of those nations and regions as well, where traditional values come in conflict with Westernization. This has been especially the case for Hong Kong and India.
[edit] References
- Webber, Christine and Delvin, David – "Empty-nest syndrome", referenced 22 February 2005
