Empty Nest: Who is Needier — Parent or Child?

by Susan Newman, Ph.D.

September marks the true test of a child’s march toward independence and a parent’s ability to let go. As college freshmen settle into dorm rooms and college life, parents feel sad, nervous, and protective simultaneously. Well, some parents…and surprisingly, men can be more affected by a child’s departure than women.

In the best of all worlds the move toward independence began much earlier, but many parents continue to orchestrate and manipulate their children’s educati...