We cry and experience fear when our children are born, when they leave home to attend college, get married, and as they begin to build their own lives. When this happens, a parent can begin to feel anxious, depressed, or sad. Whether it is the first child or the last child to leave the nest, a parent still feels some form of anxiety because they are entering a new world life experience for the first time.
For years, parents’ lives revolved around their children. You have nurtured them, fed and clothed them, bandaged their boo-boos, and instructed them through life. Then before you know it, they going off to college or leaving home for a career choice or other occasions. When they tell you it is time to leave, it seems that this time came too quickly. How do you handle that anxiety emotion of feeling sad and alone?
You, as a parent, have experiences with advice that you have instilled in your children, meaning that you have armed your child with the foundations of emotional, mental, and spiritual skills to work with. Parents should ensure that if their children need financial help after leaving home, then parents have planned and have set up how to transfer money to them quickly.
Remember that your child has the right values to make good decisions for success. Leaving a home that they were raised in and going out into the world will help shape them through learning from mistakes and finding the courage to reach for their goals. Preparing in advance to help your child when they leave helps to reduce the anxiety and sadness that can accompany their departure if you have not prepared.
If your child is leaving for college, you have prepared them financially for food, clothing, and lodging. If they are getting married, then plans have been put in place for their living accommodations. If they want to travel the world before settling down, then they can stay in touch with a planned schedule and communication devices.
It is a fact that if a parent does not plan properly for their child to leave the home, then this is where emotions enter in that seem to overwhelm a parent. There is the emotion of grief as if you have lost a loved one. This is a natural feeling whose symptoms can appear as crying, anxiety, problems with sleep, or a change in appetite.
Naturally, a parent’s anxiety symptoms can be triggered when they enter the empty room once noisily occupied by their child or just calling everyone to the dinner table and your child’s seat is empty. The human body exhibits anxiety symptoms when distress is exhibited. This is when, as a parent, you should understand that you have prepared in advance for this day and simply relax.
Even though you have prepared in advance for your child’s departure, you still feel a deep personal loss. Don’t wallow in these emotions. Talk to others like family, friends, and support groups. Please note that if life has taught us anything, that your child could return home for whatever reason.
Be prepared to be there for them without fear of disappointment. Don’t lecture, don’t be judgemental, or don’t become angry to the point that you are not listening. After all, our children are growing up and must face life’s consequences, but it is a part of life. You remember when you too went through these life changes.
Yes, nest separation can be difficult for parents who may be unprepared. Healthwise, it is not practical to worry about your kids as they venture into a new life experience. Do not embrace your fear or anxiety. Trust your child to react to situations that involve your training pertaining to social skills and other practical survival advice.
Also, a great benefit that is available to a parent to master anxiety is in the form of technology. Tools like mobile devices and wireless video and audio connections can help you stay in touch with your child no matter where they are. You can stay in touch with them through Internet texting, social media websites, and many other video chat tools.