"The empty nest often comes with invisible grief that goes unrecognized because it follows a normal life event that is healthy and often anticipated. This is because our identity is affected. According to identity researchers, our identity is composed of two things: who we belong to and what we do."
"When children leave home, one of the most important job parents have, taking care of the children, changes, because that was at the top of their identity. Everything was organized around being a parent."
"Empty-nest syndrome (ENS) is an emotional and psychological shift that occurs when the youngest child leaves home for college, work, or independence, often leaving parents with an unexpected void."
"There are many changes that a couple undergoes in midlife, and these all contribute to the ENS in some way or another."
Empty nest syndrome is a significant transition for parents, often leading to feelings of grief, anxiety, and purposelessness. The departure of children can create an unexpected void, as parenting is a core part of identity. Parents may struggle with the question of who they are without their children at home. This emotional shift is compounded by other midlife transitions, making it essential for parents to explore their identities and reclaim a sense of self beyond parenting.
Read at Psychology Today
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