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Things you can do when your children leave home

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What is Empty Nest Syndrome?

You may have heard of the condition “Empty Nest Syndrome”. This refers to the feeling of sadness or emotional distress often felt by parents of guardians whose children have grown up and left home or have “left the nest”.This might happen when they first move into their own home or when taking the step into higher education, such as leaving for college or university.

It can be a difficult and challenging time. The combination of pride - seeing your children becoming independent and paving their own way, as well as the  worry that you will miss the closeness, the house becoming quieter, or what you will do with the time you spent raising them.

Often, parents find they have more time to spare and wonder what they can do to best avoid the feeling of anxiety or stress usually reported as symptoms of “Empty Nest Syndrome”.

Things you can do when your children leave home

To support anyone coping with Empty Nest Syndrome, we’ve put together different things you can do to help cope:

1) Fostering

Consider fostering one of the many young people currently in the care of local authorities across England. By providing a home, support and care during a crucial time, you can make a positive contribution not only to your own well-being, but to the lives of young people in need.

Over the years, having raised a family – seeing them grow up under your guidance and care you are already experienced in nurturing a child through their different life stages. You are already aware of the patience, time, skills, surroundings, and energy needed to care for a child, so you may choose to use this chance to share your experience by fostering a child in need of a caring home. In turn, you may find this opportunity immensely rewarding for both yourself and the young person in your care. Take a look at some of our foster care stories to learn more about the benefits of fostering.

2) Volunteering


Volunteer in your local community by reaching out to charitable organisations and groups working to make an impact in your local area or beyond.

3) Blogging


Start a blog to share your experiences with others who might be going through a similar experience. Blogging can also be a great way to connect with like-minded individuals who can also be a great support system.

4) Perfect a project


Take care of projects around the home such as starting a kitchen garden and growing your own herbs and vegetables, or starting a renovation project. Chances are, there are many things that had to be put on hold as your kids were growing up – now is a better time than any to make a start on them.

5) Start a hobby or find a new passion


Find a new passion in the form of a hobby. It could be anything from joining a running club, flower arranging or starting a book club.

6) Explore

Why not explore your local countryside, start hiking or  find a new  walking trail to take with friends. This can be a great way to spend more time outdoors whilst getting to know your local surroundings.

7) Fitness


Use this time to focus on your physical health. Start a new exercise class or join a local fitness group. As well as looking after yourself, this can also help you to meet new people.

8) Try something new


Try something entirely new by joining a community group to learn a brand new skill whilst also meeting like-minded people. Trying something new can be daunting at first, but it can turn out to be rewarding.

9) Improve your tech knowledge


With the ever-changing world, it can be challenging to keep up-to-date with the newest technology. Use this time to improve on your technology skills, by enlisting the help of a friend or starting a class.

10) Travel

With more free time, why not set your sights further afield and plan trips to places you’ve always thought about visiting. Travel is a great way to explore new countries and cultures and meet new people along the way.

 

Considering fostering? Why not take the first step today and speak to Capstone Foster Care to learn more on how you can help to build brighter futures for young people in care.

Thinking of fostering?

If you’ve got any questions or would like to find out more about fostering with Capstone, fill out the form below.
An experienced fostering advisor from your local area will then be in touch.

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