Empty Nest: How to Survive and Stay Close to Your Adult Child

by Celia Dodd

More than half a million parents confront the empty nest for the first time each year. It is one of the most challenging phases of parenting, often creating feelings of loss, lack of purpose and crisis of identity which can lead to depression. Yet it receives little recognition. And contrary to popular opinion it doesn't only affect women who've put their careers on working mothers and fathers suffer too. Equally, it can be a period of liberation and discovery of new challenges, when marriages long overstressed by childcare can be rejuvenated. The book will include plenty of people's experiences; expert comment and advice; and there will be a practical strand full of ideas, inspiration and tips. There will be a strong focus on the positive as well as how to handle the changing relationship with your children to ensure a fulfilling and good relationship going forward, an area of parenting often ignored.

256 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2011

Reviews

[Suzzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book as it has helped put some perspective on my experience of the empty nest. Having had both of my children grow up and leave the nest with three months of each other I selected this book to help direct my efforts, thoughts and feelings on this change in my lifestyle and family situation. It has been helpful to read how other people have handled this and also to give me a good steer on how I can deal with this in the best way possible for my own situation. Useful, interesting and comforting.

[Diana Samey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book because my parents were going through the empty nest phenomenon; my mother read it too. It offers excellent advice and tips as well as being wonderfully reassuring. The transition from teenager to leaving home can be a rollercoaster of emotions for mums, dads and kids and this book can really help to bring about a positive perpective. I have recommended this book to friends and parents of friends who are experiencing similar family issues related to the empty nest.