In the summer I usually read students heading off to college/university for the first time. This year there were students, but also parents of students coming for readings about their futures. The old saying about 'empty nest syndrome' does not apply today as it did in the past. True most parents will miss their children but today we text, email, Skype and call.

Many parents are not old in today's world. They are often happy to be free to reinvent themselves and develop hidden passions and talents. They often downsize their homes using the equity to fund their own futures and their child's education. There are career changes and thoughts about returning to school and starting over. Divorce often comes into play after the last child has graduated from high school - karma complete. "Now it's my time."

If the parent's entire focus has been their child, especially with single parent homes, it could be a longer emotional adjustment, but it has to happen. Separation and loss are two of the strongest emotions we face as humans. One's psychological makeup and lifestyle will determine how they handle saying goodbye to their children-as-children and hello to them as young adults. "Salute!"

Empty Nest Syndrome September 2008