LEAVING THE NEST.
By Kandase
@Kandae11 (53771)
January 21, 2017 2:22pm CST
How do you feel when you hear these words, - "mom, dad, I am getting my own apartment"?
Exactly how would you feel if your daughter or son, tells you quite firmly that he or she is leaving the nest, moving on, beginning life on their own? Would you be sad or joyful?
I can remember quite clearly the look of hurt on my mother's face when my eldest sister informed her that she was moving to an apartment way across town.
In those days in our community, there was the belief that a son or daughter should remain in the family home until marriage.
I know there are some parents who are anxious for their adult children to move out - while others are not. Which one are you? Would you be joyful , or devastated if your son or daughter decides to leave the nest?
17 people like this
19 responses
@Happy2BeMe (99386)
• Canada
21 Jan 17
I was sad when my children moved out to be on their own. I remember walking by their empty rooms and crying but I never let them know how badly it hurt to let them go. I was supportive and excited about their future and the step they were taking to their independence. Empty Nest Syndrome is a hard thing to deal with. I wish I could have kept them little forever.
6 people like this
@Happy2BeMe (99386)
• Canada
21 Jan 17
@Kandae11 it really is. The years go you so fast and you are never really ready for it even though you are happy and excited for them.
2 people like this
@cacay1 (83237)
• Cagayan De Oro, Philippines
22 Jan 17
@Happy2BeMe , at 18 children there can have their own nest, unlike in Ph, there is extended family.
3 people like this
@JudyEv (326602)
• Rockingham, Australia
21 Jan 17
Our boys moved out of home quite early but more or less needed to because of work commitments. Nowadays it is so expensive living independently that some stay with their parents long after they should leave. Stuff like Mum doing their laundry and getting their meals doesn't encourage them to leave either.
5 people like this
@Freelanzer (10744)
• Canada
21 Jan 17
Happy because it means that I did my job and reared children who are independent and well prepared to venture out on their own. That doesn't mean that I don't miss them but I am very happy that they are able and capable of managing on their own.
3 people like this
@ridingbet (66857)
• Philippines
22 Jan 17
my son is 25 years old now. he has no off-line job because he enrolled in a graduate school;he wants to teach. as such, he lives with me and my sister here in our ancestral home. he planned to work abroad but maybe it is God's will that he stays here with me.
3 people like this
@ridingbet (66857)
• Philippines
23 Jan 17
@Kandae11 my son lives with me. he is sick last night up till now, and as a nurse and a mother, i take care of him. i don't think he will be happy living out from me. maybe in due time, but not now
1 person likes this
@fishtiger58 (29823)
• Momence, Illinois
22 Jan 17
I have two sons, when the youngest moved to go to school I helped him move into his dorm. I sobbed all the way home that day.. Broke my heart. He was only 45 miles away but he was my baby baby my littlest fella. Since then he has moved 250 miles away to attend graduate school, he just got his Masters Degree. He was going to continue for his PhD but is so burnt out on any more schooling so he is done. Now he is looking for a job up there as he has a lease on a house. I have since resigned myself to the fact that he will never live with me again. I miss him so. My oldest son is still living with us and he can stay here for as long as he wants. He is a good guy and never gives us problems. I will never kick either of my sons out nor will I be happy when they leave.
2 people like this
@fishtiger58 (29823)
• Momence, Illinois
22 Jan 17
@Kandae11 When he was at school getting his Bachelors degree and was only 45 miles away he came home almost every weekend. I loved that. Now that he is 250 miles away not so much.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45939)
• United States
22 Jan 17
It wasn't easy for me to experience empty nest syndrome. The one thing that did happen is that they returned for a brief or seemingly long time.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45939)
• United States
22 Jan 17
@Kandae11 I always look forward to seeing my children. Wish they would all find a place to lay permanent roots!
1 person likes this
@Fishmomma (11377)
• United States
23 Jan 17
My oldest daughter went into the military like many family members. My youngest daughter is almost done with her Grad Studies and will move out when finished. She has a good job, so am sure she will be fine when she moves out. I only see her a few days a week now and she buys her own groceries and I'll be fine when she moves out. Also she plans to get married when she is working full time and they have waited to be able to support themselves.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (159887)
• Boise, Idaho
22 Jan 17
I think there are a few phases I at least remember going through. Disbelief, denial, shock, etc. LOL I am glad they are finding their own wings and want to fly but, I hope they fly by occasionally too.
2 people like this
@celticeagle (159887)
• Boise, Idaho
23 Jan 17
@Kandae11 .....Yes, that would be good. Some are just in a hurry to get on with their lives.
@Fleura (29265)
• United Kingdom
9 Mar 17
When I was the 'child' all I wanted was my own independence, and after I left home to go to college I rarely went back except for the odd weekend. I thought that was the natural order. Unfortunately my Mum and I were never able to get along, although I did really try.
Later I visited other friends at their parents' homes and got along well with their parents and now I think I would like that for my children - for them to be able to stay here if they want, or if they move out, to be able to come back often and bring their friends too.
We have just bought a big house and my daughters are 4 and 10. I hope they will still feel welcome here for many years even after they are grown up. I like having people around!
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40246)
• United States
22 Jan 17
I can't answer from the prespective of parent - but I know my own parents wanted to keep me at home as long as possible. A great many fights were started over the topic of me moving out. I finally did gain my freedom I mean, uh, move out at age 33.
2 people like this
@Linda1234 (4714)
• Houston, Texas
22 Jan 17
I feel sad when my child move out.I like stay with them.
1 person likes this
@Tampa_girl7 (49252)
• United States
23 Jan 17
i was a mixture of sad, but also happy for my son when he got his own place.
1 person likes this
@tammy14 (41)
• India
24 Jan 17
I guess I would feel really hollow - like my heart dropped from my chest. But I would know deep down that I'd have to accept it.
