Struggling with empty nest.

[toothfairy26]

Really tearful after youngest left for uni.
This coincided with me leaving a long term job. Lost my way. I know all the quotes of be happy for the new chapter, get a hobby or pet… but I miss our family home and life.
its not like I’d not gone through this with my eldest, but I was busy with work, youngest here and I guess being needed.
Everyone seems to be coping, but I’m stuck.
Any help appreciated. x

I'm planning for this as it is very soon. Its a firm of grief - for the life you used to have. You need to get hobbies and address it head on - that's what I am doing anyway.

Do you have any pets? I have cats and I'm hoping they'll help when my DC go off to Uni as they keep me busy and sort of keep me company. I have DH, but that's not the same!

I think it’s okay to be sad and to feel grief, it’s normal to be sad when your kids leave home.
My dd is 19yo and I’m struggling with adjusting to life with an adult dd, it’s hard and I miss the child dd was iykwim.

I am consciously saying yes to as many things as possible, any offers of meeting for a coffee or lunch, evenings out etc.

Just solidarity here - it's tough and as we had our DD quite young, a lot of my friends still have younger children at home.

I just miss that family dynamic and find it hard knowing I won't have that again.

I'm trying to get more involved with hobbies and arrange more with friends, but sometimes I feel down and just don't really want to. I'll keep trying though! DH just seems to sail through everything by being totally engrossed with work, whereas I struggle to concentrate!