Hudson Valley Parents, Are You Now Empty-Nesters?

When I went off to college, my folks did not have an easy time with the initial transition to becoming empty nesters. I am an only child, so it's not like they had another kid to love bomb on or anything. Not to mention, I was a very busy and involved kid. That meant they were busy and involved parents. So, when I'm gone, all those activities ended. No more driving to soccer, basketball, or lacrosse games. No more picking me up from a capella or theatre rehearsal. No more late night games or dances.

Empty nest syndrome effects millions of parents each year around August and September. Empty nest syndrome refers to the grief that many parents feel when their children move out of home. This condition is typically more common in women, who are more likely to have had the role of primary carer. Symptoms can include:

• heightened stress
• marital issues
• isolating oneself
• issues with self-identity and worth
• apathy
• anxiety
• fatigue
• depression

This may sound like a joke, but it's really not. Empty nest syndrome is like grieving a loved one who has passed away. The parent is grieving the child they raised as they now transition to adulthood, and the parents can even be grieving themselves, or who they felt they used to be when their kid was in the house.

If you're now an empty nester, what can you do to handle this in a healthy way? Plan in advance for the day when your nest will be empty of all children. Small changes made over time will mean less of a shock when your last child moves out. You may find, with thought and careful planning, that the occasion of your last child leaving home will offer a little happiness too, as you can then implement your plans for an independent life with your spouse. Find new hobbies and activities to do by yourself or with a partner or friend. Practice self-care

Empty Nest Moms Night Out

One of the best ways to handle any kind of grief is to find people who have gone through similar situations. This way, you feel less alone, and can bond over shared experience. There are groups specifically for this!

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In conjunction with the Dutchess County Empty Nester Moms Facebook Group, Paula's Runway Café is hosting the Empty Nest Moms Night Out on Thursday, September 12th from 6pm to 8pm. Leave your husbands at home, because this event is for the moms out there! Come out and chat with other mothers adjusting to the new semester. Food and drink will be available to purchase in the cafe.

Paula's Runway Café says,

Now that the house is quiet and the laundry and the dishes are all caught up, it's time to socialize, volunteer, play, hike, travel, read, and meet new people!

If you feel like you may have imposter syndrome if you show up, don't. This event is for moms with either a full empty nest or at least one child in college or no longer living in the house.

Paula's Runway Café is located inside the Hudson Valley Regional Airport at 263 New Hackensack Road, Wappingers Falls. For more information, you can hit up Paula's Runway Café, or reach out the to Dutch County Empty Nester Moms Facebook Group.

Marist College's Center for Lifetime Study

Another great way to combat empty nest syndrome is to learn new things and venture outside of your comfort zone. On an episode of In Touch, I spoke with Ken and Dewey from the Marist College Center for Lifetime Study. The Center is an educational organization, non-profit, affiliated with Marist College that allows individuals 55 and over who live in the area to continue their education.

The program offers noncredit courses where they bring in experts and volunteers to teach. This program goes to show you that education goes far beyond the traditional classroom, and it is available to everyone. Learning and growing never have to stop. Their website is www.marist.edu/professional-programs/cls. The phone number is 845-575-3902. The email is MC.CLS@marist.edu