Your best tips for minimising empty next syndrome

[teabaggage]

DC1 has started looking for their first place and so I expect will be leaving home within the next few months. DC2 intends to go to Uni next year.

It's very much been the three of us for the last 22 years as DH has worked away a lot.

I've done my bit, I'm very proud of them both, as they say I've given them roots and now I'm letting them fly.

So give me your best tactics for the emptiness that I'm expecting. I work, but it's quite a masculine field and I don't have friends at work, just colleagues. I live rurally and so there's not really anything local
I can get involved in. I have a couple of friends but their kids are at different stages so they're not going to be going through it when I am. So I need to plan - what worked for you?

I got a dog... problem solved :)
(I work part time now though to accomodate her!)
Instant companionship, great motivator to exercise, and she adores me. Oh and the kids come home to see the dog

I'm starting to plan ahead for this now. DD will be gone in just over a year and I will miss her terribly.

I think the main thing is to find things that you are interested in, and to find people who you like spending time with. Invest in your relationship and in your friendships. But enjoy the time that you still have left with your kids!

I am very busy with work and volunteering etc, not to mention caring responsibilities for my ageing parents, but I can't deny that dd will leave a massive hole when she goes. Chatting to her is the highlight of my day at the moment.

We got a cat when ds1 left. I did feel his absence more than I thought I would but the arrival of our rescue cat really lifted me and gave me a focus. The whole family adore her and it’s been really good for everyone.

DS2 will be off to Uni this year as well. I’m more prepared now and the terms certainly do go quickly but it will be strange.

I would consider another cat but I don’t think Dcat would think the same.

I was ok when my dcs left. Missed them of course but enjoyed their adventures and visiting, having them home.
Then ddog died and I the house felt very empty. Solved it by rescuing a gorgeous 12yo 🐕🥰

No one was more devastated than me when my 2 left. And then they came back during Covid... 😳 Now I spend my time hoping they'll leave home again! 😆

For me it is planning visits and having regular catch up calls with my adult DC. I still have 7yrs until my youngest goes to university, but the house is already quieter with my eldest gone. I’m going to watch this thread with interest because I’m only now starting that phase of nest emptying.

Book something really grown up like a vineyard holiday.