5 Tips for Parents: How to Survive an Adult Child's Moving to a New Place of Residence

When children leave home, it's not easy. Most likely, you'll start to miss them pretty quickly and want to bring your child back to make things the way they used to be. At the very least, you'd like to keep the changes in your family's life as minimal as possible, and have him or her live somewhere nearby.

For example, the Independent reports that according to a study, two-thirds of parents whose adult children have left home would gladly bring them back. At the same time, 90% of mothers and fathers are aware of the correctness of this situation and are ready to support a child who is starting a new life.

The survey was commissioned by Premier Inn, which developed the Empty Resters guide, based on it, together with expert Tracey Lea Sayer, to help parents through the difficult days and months ahead.

Be prepared for change

According to Tracey, the guide covers many of the issues parents face when helping children who have left home.

"It's got everything from tips on packing to helping kids learn life skills, like how to use a washing machine or plan grocery shopping," she says.

"Helping with practical issues will be helpful for emotionally overwhelmed parents and help them adapt to the new situation."

Here are a few recommendations from the guide:

• Spend more time with younger children. They need your attention.
• Create a new daily routine that fits your changed lifestyle. Do not think that you will have a lot of free time. One way or another, your child's education at university will require your participation. The to-do list will not get any shorter. Student housing, finances, and travel - all of this needs to be organized.

• Focus on taking care of yourself. Your physical and emotional state matters. So exercise, eat right, and avoid stress.
• Communicate with other parents. Sharing experiences is helpful and relieves internal tension.

In general, live through and accept the three stages of your condition: sadness, relief, and joy. Realize that you will be sad, but sooner or later you will get used to your new life. As a rule, it takes 2-3 months to adapt. And the feeling of relief comes when the child gets used to the new place and makes friends.