empty nest syndrome

Related to empty nest syndrome: midlife crisis

empty nest syndrome

Feelings of sadness or loneliness experienced by parents after all of their children have moved out of the home. Now that our youngest is away at college, my husband and I are going through empty nest syndrome. I thought I would enjoy having a quiet house again, but it actually makes me sad—I guess I'm suffering from empty nest syndrome.
See also: empty, nest, syndrome
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • alone in a crowd
  • grieve over
  • grieve over (someone or something)
  • grieve
  • grieve for
  • grieve for (someone or something)
  • baby blues
  • blues
  • weep about
  • hurt feelings
References in periodicals archive
"Empty nest syndrome is becoming a thing of the past.
My daughter is 15 so in September she's going into her last year of school and that is giving me empty nest syndrome.
Many parents suffer from what's known as Empty Nest Syndrome when their children leave home, and Dr Mark Winwood, director of psychological services at AXA PPP healthcare, says: "In the weeks leading up to your child leaving, and as you start thinking about how they'll cope in their new home, you may yourself start feeling anxious, worried or stressed and your thoughts may move towards thinking about how you'll cope without them.
My mind races back to my published article on the deliciously bittersweet stages of parenthood, of the inexplicable joy of having children, of the tormenting empty nest syndrome ("Full strung and dizzy," Inquirer, 4/9/03).
The grandfather-of-six, from Llanishen in Cardiff, turned to fostering when he suffered 'empty nest syndrome'.
But as sons David and Lee made their own way in the world, Wilma started to experience empty nest syndrome.
Your wife may be suffering from "empty nest syndrome", where some people go into a state rather like bereavement.
/p6-7 Empty Nest Syndrome + what they'll need for Uni - and why breakfast might be under threat Family Life /Inside
My daughter is 15 and she's going into her last year of school in September - so I know how you feel having empty nest syndrome.
Many parents suffer from what's known as Empty Nest Syndrome when their children leave home, and Dr Mark Winwood, director of psychological services at AXA PPP Clarke healthcare, says: "In the weeks leading up to your child leaving, and as you start thinking about how they'll cope in their new home, you may yourself start feeling anxious, worried or stressed and your thoughts may move towards thinking about how you'll cope without them.
PARENTS used to talk about empty nest syndrome when their children finally left home.
Chief executive David Orr said: "Empty nest syndrome is becoming a thing of the past.
Monica Burns, North East lead manager for the National Housing Federation, said: "Empty nest syndrome is becoming a thing of the past.
But the house is too big and I'm suffering from empty nest syndrome. Should I move?
Zero-hours contracts, empty nest syndrome, under-age drinking and some other gritty and dramatic themes are on the cards.