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Teenagers

Parenting teenagers has its ups and downs. Get advice from Mumsnetters here.

Did anyone not get empty nest syndrome when their dc left home?

5 replies

MrsJoshDun · 22/02/2018 11:59

Dd is my only child, she’s 17yo. Don’t get me wrong, I love her loads.

She’s a great kid, no problems, we don’t argue.....well she can be a bit moody and snappy but nothing major.

We don’t really do much together these days as she’s so wrapped up in friends and her boyfriend. Which is normal. So even the old evenings of binge watching Gilmour Girls seem to be gone. I only seem to serve a purpose for her of washing clothes, cooking food and driving her places (we’re rural).

She’s just been away for a week with school and to be honest it’s been bliss. No non stop “mum, have you seen this top, mum what’s for dinner, mum can you take me to x”.

Spent more time with dh, house just seemed calmer. Mentioned this to dh and he’s in full agreement.

I’m kind of looking forward to her going to uni. Is that bad? I feel like a lioness who’s lion cub has been hanging around too long and now needs to make it on their own.

Maybe I think this now but it will hit me like a tonne of bricks when she does actually go?

OP posts:
genehuntswife · 22/02/2018 12:11

I feel exactly the same way. I’m sure like you it’ll be different when the time actually comes but at the minute I’m looking forward to it being just me and my DH for a few weeks at a time

AnyFucker · 22/02/2018 12:15

Same here. My two are still at home, being Royal Pains in The Ass. Maybe I will be bereft when they finally go but somehow I doubt it.

MrsJoshDun · 22/02/2018 12:17

God, am glad I’m not the only one.

Just been able to relax at the gym guilt free after work and not be thinking I really ought to get back so she’s not by herself too long. Then get home just to be grunted at /ignored.

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ajandjjmum · 22/02/2018 12:22

What's pretty sad about parenting is that it's all or nothing for most of the time.

What I wouldn't have given for the odd few hours peace when my DC were at home. Now they're adults and live away, I love every minute we get with them - but they are naturally living their own lives.

I think we all appreciate each other more when we have space anyway. But although I love having them home, I do enjoy getting back to my own routine when they go again.

MrsJoshDun · 22/02/2018 16:48

Yes I think in an ideal world dd will move out, live close by and we could meet up for lunch or shopping quite often. Knowing the independent person she is though I'm not sure she will stay close to home.

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