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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I am 26, so not in the same spot as you are life-wise, but I can tell you how my parents handled losing me (the baby).

My dad took up woodworking. My mom took up hiking. Then they bought two horses and ride 3-4 times a week. My mom takes her mother out to lunch every Thursday. My dad has dinner with his friends the second Friday of the month at his favorite restaurant.

My parents attended family events at my school where they were alumni. They came to a couple football games. After the first 2 years, this happened far less. I graduated when I was 21 and in the last 5 years our relationship has become more of a friendly one. They are of course very interested in my life and I call them when I'm making major decisions or think of something that relates to them.

Your relationship with your kids is changing. You are getting the freedom to find new interests and spend more time with your husband and they are getting the freedom to grow into adults and learn about the world from a new view. It doesn't mean you have to leave each other behind. You have to accept the new experience. Your children are only "children" for 18 years. You are only 48. You probably have another 40 years to see who they are as adults and to continue playing a role in their lives. [/quote]

What a great post!  [/quote]

Agree. I am going through many of the same things as OP. Kids leaving for college, becoming adults, and feeling a sense of loss. It is normal. Oh, by the way I'm a therapist and don't necessarily think that every parent who has these feelings needs therapy. This is a natural part of life and a major life transition. A lot of good advice has been given on this thread. Try some of the suggestions and give yourself some time to adjust. If you don't feel better in 6 mos it may be time to talk to someone. Good luck to us all![/quote]

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