You spent years looking forward to the day when your youngest kid's final boxes were moved out of the house. When you were caught up in the constant hustle of packing lunches and tucking your little ones into bed, this time in your life represented freedom of the heavy weight of your responsibilities. Now, you find yourself wandering into their old rooms as if they were shrines. While it's normal to grieve the loss of your parenting role, it is possible to find happiness again by using these strategies to help you adjust to your empty nest.

Explore Potential New Interests

During the time that you spent parenting, your life was filled with things such as helping your kids with homework that required you to set a few of your own dreams aside. Spend some time creating a list of things that you have always wanted to do. At first, it may be hard, and you may need to work on your list in women's counseling sessions that help you think back to your past. In time, you will start to remember things such as that desire to refine your painting skills that you can use as a springboard for finding new activities to fill your time.

Be Willing to Accept Support

Single parents are known for their ability to soldier through hardship while making it look easy. However, it is okay to look to others for help. Let your friends know that you are having trouble with adjusting, or reach out to your own parents and ask them how they survived. Therapy for women is also an option that provides a safe, nonjudgmental place to talk about your emotions when you aren't comfortable sharing them with the people close to your life. Accepting help lets you know that you are not alone with the struggles of coming home to an empty house.

Carve Out a New Parenting Plan

You miss your kids, but it is also important to avoid stifling their newfound independence. Talk to your kids about the best times to communicate such as a once-a-week phone call that lets you know that they are okay. Then, work with your support network to learn how to view your new role as one that offers you a chance to deepen your relationship with your kids. While they may not live with you, the distance gives them even more freedom to come to you when they have questions about navigating life as an adult.

Throughout your life, you've transitioned through many of your kids' stages, and you can do it again. While it may not seem as interesting as that time they dyed their hair blue, having your final kid move out gives you a chance to spread your wings, too. By finding ways to see your new lifestyle as an opportunity, you can embrace the infinite possibilities that lie ahead for creating your personal happiness. For more help during this transition, contact a company like Associated Psychologists & Counselors.