Hi, any ideas on how to handle the empty nest syndrome?

Thaddea - posted on 11/05/2011

Hi Corinne. Did you ever try talking to your next door neighbor? You can hook up with them face to face and use Face Book to hook up with your friends who are 3000 miles away. But the easy thing to do is find something to do with your hubby, if you still have each other.

Dee - posted on 11/02/2011

Sounds like you better pack your bags and get out there! Until then, find some local place to serve and use your creativity and loving heart!

Julie - posted on 11/02/2011

Dee,
Without too much thought.... my answer is TRAVEL. If money were no object and the care of my children was no longer my job, I would travel to new places, meet new people, experience new cultures. I have done some traveling to Europe three times, Jamaica seven times and a few excursions to New York, Texas, Montana in the US. But under the circumstances you just provided, I would volunteer for a period of time in Uganda, Thailand, Galapagos or Brazil helping the environment, animals, children and communities in need. I would be able to experience their culture and lifestyle but do so with a purpose, job, mission ... not just on vacation.

Dee - posted on 11/02/2011

I finally have the time and energy to pursue my dreams and hobbies now that my kids are out of the nest. I moved back in to Denver (where both of my daughters are and where I grew up) and have new job possibilities in the bigger city. All thru my parenting days I was building my dreams on a smaller scale. So, my question to you is, what have you wished you had more time to do while raising your kids? If money was no object, how would you spend your days?

Lynn - posted on 11/01/2011

have you thought about moving somewhere where there is a bit more life and more possibilitys of getting a job which will fill your life more then now or poss moving back where your friends and family are i wish you well it must b hard im single and have 5 kids 2 of which grown up not living with me with there own kids but i still have a 16 year old son in college which he is now considering is not really for him and a 17year old daughger whos got a 3 month old baby and a 18 year old at her second college course which she is also thinking about giving up to go travel the world for 2 years i know the time is almost on me where i am going to b by myself and i cant imagin how lonely im going to be and hate the thought

Julie - posted on 10/07/2011

Corrine,
I agree with many of the other posters that to do for others is the cure for your loss. Of course doing for others is what you have been doing for years and you may feel a bit like you are grieving this loss of "yesterday" of being needed. So, if you are too far away to from community to find a homeless shelter, animal volunteer organization, a child centered agency, I'd will bet there are literally hundreds of organizations or individuals who could use your virtual help by becoming a "virtual assistant" or any other number of titles. Since you are computer savvy enough to be online here, I'm certain you could focus on your passions, your interests and the causes that you believe in and find a great job: blogging for an agency or worthy organization, becoming an official facebook poster for agencies or causes, etc.

I also have just begun a "Gotta Have Girlfriends" network in my community that expands in approx. 60 mile radius for women friends who need to put energy into their women friendships because it gives our lives better balance. If you want to see my blog, feel free! http://gottahavegirlfriends.bogspot.com
It's another way of keeping busy and giving your life purpose, meaning and community.

Much Love.
Julie in California

Louise - posted on 10/04/2011

If you have time to spare and do not need to work then volunteer. Choose an organisation that you would like to help whether animals, children or the elderly and offer your services. Schools always need help with craft activities and reading lessons, animal charities are always short staffed and the elderly organisations always want people to help out just chatting. Volunteering can be very rewarding and can make you friends and get you out of the house.

Linda - posted on 09/27/2011

Hi.. I found once my children had left home and I was by myself through the day.. I would do some of the things i never got around to doing when i had kids at home.. like my hobbies .. crafty things, reading, meeting my friends for coffee and a chat and lend support to them as well as getting support from them.. I was a stay at home mum too so there was no going to work when they had all gone.. some of my friend's needed a sitter as they did work and I took on their little ones as my own and that kept me busy and happy... there are many organisations out there you could look into.. and they are always happy for new members/friends to join .... you dont have to sit at home and be depressed...

Beth - posted on 09/26/2011

I'm right with you, hon!! My last 2 just left around the same time. Although we have our grandson from my oldest son quite often, it's still not the same. I can't bring myself to live for just myself, ourselves as my husband and I have a happy marriage, so I'm at a lost as I feel like I'm sitting waiting for one of them to need us and I don't like this feeling. I had wished at this point that they at the ages of 27, 26 and 24 were self sufficient or feel like a bad parent. I work full-time, go to church and have outside friends but have been depressed since they are all gone. So, I wait with baited breath to read some of the answers that you recieve.