Learning how to cope when your child is leaving home and moving to college or university can be challenging as everyone has different ways of dealing with the absence of their loved ones. While some parents can get back on track knowing the benefits the separation will bring, many struggle with it and find it hard to cope without their beloved child and this is justifiable too. The impact may be more for single parents than for couples who may be able to support each other. Learning how to cope is fundamental to your health and well-being, therefore you should not see this situation as a setback but a fresh start and an opportunity to embrace your new liberty as parents and do some of the things you have put on your to-do list for years.
Nurture your relationship from afar
Even though your child is leaving, it is important to keep nurturing your relationship from afar and keep the line of communication open while you continue to provide them emotional support as parents. While some children are able to settle down without any difficulties, others may find their new environment strange at first and may rely on your constant assurance to help them cope until they become familiar with the setting. The regular phone calls, video calls and handwritten postcards are great ways to stay connected and help you both fill in the gaps between the planned visits.
Restore a new passion
Most parents have passions they once had to put on hold when family demands took its toll on them. Now that the children are off to pursue their independence, it is only right that parents are also ready to restore their own passions. This is a valuable time, especially for stay-at-home mums who may be thinking of how to occupy their newly found freedom. You can start researching a new business you have always wanted to launch or go on a well-deserved holiday with a few friends, to begin with, in celebration of this new stage in your life.
Empower yourself with a new skill
They say that ‘it’s never too late for new beginnings in your life’, thus, the sacrifices most women make for their families are immeasurable and this can come as a setback for many women, especially in third-world countries where motherhood is often seen as a valid reason for a woman to give up her education or career progression while the husband becomes the only one providing the finances. Empowering yourself with skills when your children leave home is one of the best ways to combat loneliness, social isolation and build your self confidence towards creating opportunities for growth and self-development.
Reconnect with old friends
It is said that ‘old friends are like new wine, they get better with time’. Your newly found freedom can also provide the opportunity to reconnect with friends through different social media apps available to help you find the friends you have not seen for years. There is also the possibility that they may be looking for you too.
