Hi there,
I visit the message board. Where are the DAD’s? We need each other. My kids have changed me over the years and now that they will all be gone this summer, I feel sad, angry, and not sure who I am going to be in their lives. Who am I going to be in my life?
What am I going to do without the school connection which was a big part of our social life? Sure people say they will stay in touch, but that doesn’t usually happen. Great while we had it!
I just need to hear from other dad’s because we aren’t moms. I know that sounds obvious. I don’t think I have to not whine or cry. I do think I need to work less and not escape at the office, but change takes time.
I am open to this next stage of life, but what is it exactly? This has been two years of uncertainty in the world and now my home is tilted. I think I am worn down a bit.
Where are the dad empty nesters? Do you have communication issues with your children? Are you clinging more than you did and wish you could stop yourself? I read this and my answer is yes and yes. I want to feel normal and I don’t. I want to not stress my kids because I am not coping well but how do I be me and still be dad? I just need to learn and talk to empty nester dads.
I don’t expect my kids to get where I am. It is not their job. I know in time I will be fine. I just want something for now. I don’t remember my parents going through this when I went off to college and grad school. My relationships in the family are great and my work is still exciting, but I feel this ending and I don’t like it.
Thank goodness this site exists or I wouldn’t find any place to hear about empty nest.
Doug
Natalie Caine, M.A. natalie@lifeintransition.org
Personally I’m going through a nuclear meltdown inside of me. My twin girls want to go to dawson college in montreal and I am not prepared at all for this and I,be been freaking out now for a month and simply dying inside of me. My wife wants to sell the house on top of this. I feel like I can’t breathe. I pray The Lord 10 times a day now for help. I think I,m going crazy.
Michael