A month has passed since the excitement of move-in day and the house seems kind of quiet, right? Perhaps you have already developed a new routine, but those lonely feelings still creep in from time to time. The emotional transition to a home with no (or less) children has its ups and downs, that’s for sure. Here are a few tips on how to thrive in an empty nest.
- Make plans. Your schedule no longer revolves around another person’s practices, homework and school activities. It’s time to sit down at the piano, read one of the books that you haven’t had time for, take a cake decorating class, fish to your hearts content or take that cruise you’ve placed on the back burner for many years. Reflect on your dreams and interests and take steps to pursue those. There is no time like the present.
- Stay connected to your student. In this day-and-age, there are numerous ways to stay in touch without being overbearing. Phone, text (a favorite way to communicate for students), Skype, Facetime or Facebook are just a few ways to maintain healthy contact. Establish with your student a routine way to check-in with each other. Students have shared that Sunday afternoons are a good time to catch up with the family.
- Send care packages and write letters (send your student stamps to write you back). They go a long way to saying “I love you and I’m proud of you” and spur your student to contact you to say thanks and chat for awhile.
- Share your life with your student. Tell them about work, movies you’ve seen or a new hobby. The relationship with an “adult” child is different of course, so let your student get to know you on an adult level.
- Rekindle those relationships that you haven’t had a lot of time for the past few years.
- Get involved. Your child is not the only one who can be involved in campus life. Take advantage of opportunities on campus such as athletic events, Family Weekend, and theatre productions, just to name a few activities. Make it a family outing. Invite your student to dinner (and we know a college student never turns down food) and a campus event with you. For example, invite your student to attend the 2014 Convocation Lecture with you on October 28th. This event will take place at on campus at Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts. Learn more about this event here.