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How To Cope With Empty Nest Syndrome

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Uploaded by on Feb 23, 2010

Expand the description and view the text of the steps for this how-to video.

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Don't know what to do with yourself now that the kids are gone? Time to focus on you for a change.

To complete this How-To you will need:

Discipline
New goals
Time to adjust
Loved ones
A hobby (optional)
Professional help (optional)

Step 1: Look at the bright side

Look at this as the beginning of a new chapter of your life, one that allows you to be more self-indulgent.

Step 2: Give your child space

Resist the urge to cope with your feelings by nagging or making them feel guilty about leaving. Don't take advantage of their potential homesickness by suggesting they move back.

Step 3: Put yourself first

Make yourself your next project -- those who do handle the transition better than parents who transfer all their attention to their spouse.

Tip: Don't do anything rash in the first few months, like sell your house.

Step 4: Do some soul-searching

Think back to dreams and goals you postponed when you become a parent. Now might be a good time to resurrect some of them.

Step 5: Get a hobby

Take up a new hobby or sport. If you're married, consider one you can do with your spouse.

Tip: Don't panic if you and your spouse don't seem to know what to talk about now that the kids are gone. This is extremely common, and most often temporary.

Step 6: Reach out to family members

Reconnect with family and friends, especially if you are a single parent now living alone.

Tip: If you have pets, give them some TLC. Veterinarians say the abrupt absence of a child is difficult on them, too.

Step 7: Get help

If you are still feeling extreme sadness after six months, consider getting professional help.

Thanks for watching How To Cope With Empty Nest Syndrome! If you enjoyed this video subscribe to the Howcast YouTube channel! http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=howcast

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Top Comments

  • 1) Go to Vegas

    2) Rent a Lamborghini

    3) Get high

    4) Marry a hooker or a stripper

    5) Accidentally kill the hooker or stripper

    6) Win one million dollars

    7) Lose one million dollars

    8) Fake you death

    9) Go home

  • I know someone who should watch this. lol nice video

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All Comments (38)

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  • My 18 year old daughter left home 2 days after her birthday without even graduating high school yet? She is going for on line classes for her diploma & was a honor role student. All for the love of a asshole named Charlie in Detroit? (From pissed off mom) Whoever made 18 legal age? was a idiot!

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  • last comment

  • Did you see her husbands face doing yoga?

  • My eldest moved out a year ago, my middle one is leaving in a month. Of the 9 listed, option 3 sounds best.

  • @novideosforme123 You're obviously not a parent. And your parents obviously under-appreciated you.

  • Step one: PAAAAARRRRTTAYYYYYYYYYY

  • This sucks i would rather take Biotoasts advice.

  • "professional help"?!?!

    OMG IM GONNA KILL MYSELF CUZ MY BRATTY LITTLE SHITS ARE OFF TO COLLEGE!!

    get fucken real. anyone who needs a professional help cuz their kid os gone is one dumb shit. fucken bullshit.

  • step one: have fun

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