I must admit, I always viewed the stage of children leaving home as the parents’ time to reconnect and pursue things of their own enjoyment without living life around the schedule of their kids. But as I get closer to this period in my life, I notice a general sense of sadness in my friends whose children are moving out and navigating the empty nester stage.
Usually it’s a rational sense of sadness where the parent misses the child’s company or presence around the house because they understand the child is pursuing their own life and adjusting to the world without them by their side. Most parents are proud of their child and excited for what their future may hold. It is my friends’ reactions to this pivotal stage in a family’s story that causes me to reflect on my perception of it being all just fun and games!
Some feelings that my circulate around the time of child moving on with their own lives can include, but is not limited to:
- Grief
- Sadness
- Depression
- Redundancy
- A feeling of being lost or without purpose
And remember that a child moving out can often coincide with other big life changes such as menopause, career changes, retirement, the passing of family members (eg parents, siblings, spouse) which only compounds the emotions felt at this time.
Maintaining awareness of your emotional state during this time, focusing on the positives that change can bring (eg more time for yourself and your partner), and remaining grateful for the significant role you have been – and will continue to be – in your child’s life can all help.
The Loss of Full-Time Motherhood
Empty Nest Syndrome can afflict both parents, but mothers seem to be most susceptible. Many mothers may have dedicated 20 years or more of their lives to bringing up their children, and see motherhood as their primary role. This is true even for most working mothers. Once the last child moves out, the mother may feel that her most important job is finished.
Similarly to anyone experiencing redundancy, the mother may feel worthless, disoriented and unsure of what meaning her future may hold. However, most mothers adapt in time. Psychologists suggest that it may take between 18 months and 2 years to make the successful transition from ‘mum’ to independent woman.
Some of the challenges faced by parents experiencing Empty Nest Syndrome include:
- Establishing a new kind of relationship with their adult children
- Becoming a couple again, after years of sharing the home with children
- Filling the void in the daily routine created by absent children
- Lack of sympathy or understanding from others, who consider children moving out to be a normal, healthy event

Flower essences to support Empty Nesters
- Boundaries – this essence can have a dual purpose of assisting a parent to respect their child’s independence, but also support the child in respecting his or her parent’s property, daily routines etc.
- Bottlebrush – an individual Australian Bush Flower Essence that assists with accepting change and developing resilience during this difficult time.
- Personalised Essences – please get in touch if you would like me to make up an essence, unique to the challenges you are experiencing with empty nest syndrome.
Flower essences to support your child who has just left the nest
- Confidence Charge – with the inclusion of the beautiful Australian Bush Flower Essence, Gymea Lily, which supports the harnessing of one’s ambition and following their true path.
- Shake If Off – for persistence, niggling fears or worries that casts a shadow over your child’s perspective about what lays before them.
- Inspire – for raising self-belief and assisting to tap into skills acquired over a lifetime
Homeopathy for Empty Nesters
- Ignatia – sadness and the emptiness feeling. Also helpful in situations when separation anxiety may be at play.
- Nat Mur – known as a grief remedy, indicated by the person who is known for being very stoic and is good at bottling things up. Only a very close friend or partner will be shown their true feelings. They will often cry alone.
- Pulsatilla – noted by the frequent sobbing and weeping that happens with feelings associated with grief and sadness. They need attention and do not like being alone.
- Staphysagria – a sense of grief with notes of resentment, even anger. They do not like fussing and prefer to be on their own. Please let me know if you would like to try this remedy and I will order it in for you.
Seek out some additional professional support if you need to for this life transition of navigating the empty nester stage. With time, it can be a transformational experience leading to an even deeper love of life and a renewed sense of joy and purpose.
References:
- Homeopathy 360
- Owen’s Homeopathic Remedies