When children leave the family apartment to take flight, some parents experience what is called empty nest syndrome. And the majority of them have these same regrets. Testimonials.
During or after their studies, many young people become independent by moving into their first apartment. But for parents, this creates a real void at home! This is what we call “empty nest syndrome” which results in a kind of breakup or separation similar to baby blues. “Seeing your child that you raised all your life leave home was really weird for me, even if I’m happy to see him become an adult.”confides Virginie, mother of Antoine, 24 years old. Of course, the objective is not to make them “tanguy”, but this transition can sometimes be experienced badly by some parents. Once the situation is accepted, you have to get used to this lack, and many people take stock.
Looking back on the years spent raising their children, parents say they have certain regrets about what they would have liked to do more with their children or what they believe they should have done differently. And this could be useful to an entire generation of parents, although on a daily basis, this advice is difficult to apply. But it’s still worth taking them into consideration.
Indeed, time flies so quickly that we have the impression of running everywhere, all our lives, without really enjoying precious moments. Justine, mother of three grown children, regrets not having spent enough time with family. “Except on vacation when we were all relaxed, I spent most of my time running, between work, school, daily tasks, homework… And often repeating things or shouting. I would have liked to be more present for them and less stressed on a daily basis.“. A feeling shared by Yves: if he could go back in time, he would have liked to have the luxury of working less to be there for his children. Go on vacation more, organize more picnics and one-on-one outings with his children, more peaceful and stress-free days, “just moments spent together” are things that parents would have liked to do more of.
Whatever happens, nothing is lost, children who have become adults are still there to share precious time with their parents, provided they maintain rituals and recurring meetings. It is therefore not because they have left the family nest that they have disappeared and that they no longer need you, quite the contrary. Now, it’s up to you to be at their side to support them in their new adult life (moving, real estate loan, procedures and management of their finances, etc.) You will always remain their best advice!
