| Confronting an empty nest requires enormous reorganization—only
it's not files or an office you're trying to rearrange,
but the very architecture of your life, your identity
and your connection to someone you love.
No matter how sad we feel, our goal is to make
it easy for our children to go away and to assure
them we'll be all right. Here are concrete ways
to take charge of the transition, instead of just
letting it happen. |
Tip #1
Fill the void before they leave
Go back to work, take classes, volunteer.
Tip #2
Cultivate an adult relationship
Ask your teenager how he or she envisions your
relationship with each other changing over time. Share
your hopes and plans for the future.
Tip #3
Instill last minute lessons
Listen to your child. Does she or he have any
doubts about being away from home? Insecurities about
cooking, laundry, banking and auto maintenance offer a
few final bonding moments over the summer. Help your child
learn the basics.
Tip #4
Throw a send-off party
Get creative with gifts that symbolize freedom
and responsibility - a basic cookbook, laundry detergent,
key chain, money for cab rides home from a party.
Tip #5
Keep the lines of communication open
Establish a weekly check-in routine like e-mail
updates every Sunday or Saturday morning calls. Let your
child know that they can call you whenever they need to.
Tip #6
Love your child enough to let them make their own mistakes
It's okay if they struggle a bit finding their
way in the world. Remembers, you've already done the hardest
part - raising a smart, resourceful kid!
Courtesy of O, The Oprah Magazine, September
2002
|
| 
|
