Do Parents Really Get Depressed When Their Kids Leave Home?
It’s long been suggested that when the kids move out, parents, and mothers especially, feel their life is over. They may face an identity crisis, not knowing who they are now that their full-time parenting role is gone. And if you find that you’re showing signs of depression after your children leave home, you should consider getting professional help. But not so fast. Several new studies suggest parents may not dread having an empty nest as much as we’ve been led to believe. In fact, research shows many actually enjoy it. After surveying parents whose oldest child had just left home, Christine Proulx of the University of Missouri-Columbia, whose findings were published in the Journal of Family Issues, said “many parents relish the change and enjoy it while it’s occurring.” They mentioned feeling strengthened bonds with their adult children as well as pride watching them mature. Of course, there’s also instantly more freedom and less responsibility, which tends to improve many people’s
