When the Children Leave Home

In this article, Wayne Mack discusses the parental reaction to children reaching maturity and leaving home for occupational, educational, marital or other reasons (the “empty nest”). Mack discusses the problems that present themselves when children leave the home including: (1) A feeling of uselessness, (2) Loneliness, (3) Accepting a new role in the life of the child, (4) A sense of frustration and failure when children don’t turn out the way you hoped, (5) Challenges posed to the husband-wife relationship, and (6) Accepting a new member into the family (in-laws). Mack concludes the article by providing practical ways parents can prepare for this time of life. Appendix questionnaire included.