This weekend my niece moved away to college.  She's starting as a Freshman.  My nephew, her brother, also moved back to school.  He's going into his Junior year.  What this means is that my sister, after 20 years of having children in the house, is an empty nester.  She and her husband are starting a new chapter in their lives just as many of you are.

While it's an exciting time in the students' lives, it's got to be a bit strange for parents.  After spending so many years closely connected to kids, the sudden long-term separation must feel like a loss.  So feelings of grief and sadness are totally normal, according to mental health experts.

Do any of our listeners with grown kids have advice for those who are coming home to an empty house today?  Suggestions for parents whose kids are off at college?  Please share in the Comments section below.

Dr. Phil has a good article for Empty Nesters here http://drphil.com/articles/article/105

One thing he points out is that this is a good time for parents to discover other interests and develop hobbies.  It could be time to share your talents and time as a volunteer.

Perhaps you can take a walk on the beach and reflect on how you might want this new phase of YOUR life to be?

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