Parents of students heading off to university have been urged to embrace the freedom of an ‘empty nest’ by residents at a Brampton care home.
Residents at Montague House Care Home on Keeling Lane admitted that while they were sad to wave goodbye to their children when they left home, there were also significant benefits.
Looking back, resident Margaret Moore said that once her two sons had moved out to study, she had no trouble filling the time she’d devoted to parenting.
Margaret, aged 77, said: “I got to see my friends more, visiting them or going out for coffee. I also volunteered time in care homes and other places, teaching flower arranging.
"Most importantly, I got to please myself, so I did!"
Many families will be waving off their children as they move out to study at universities across the UK and beyond.
While it’s an emotional time for any parent, Montague House residents say that being open to new experiences and hobbies can be a great healer.
For Margaret Haliday, the departure of her three daughters meant that she embraced experiences she’d always wanted to try.
Margaret, aged 85, said: “I was very lucky because I've always been interested in everything.
“I spent time doing things I already knew I liked doing and trying new hobbies. I went to art classes and learned to paint, which I still do now in my spare time!"
Fellow resident Sandra Denyer, 77, said it was hard to say goodbye to her two daughters, but ultimately, she found a new groove.
Sandra, who recommends joining the University of the Third Age (U3A), said: “It was really difficult at first, saying goodbye to your child, even for a short while.
“With my eldest, I concentrated my energy on the younger one. After she'd left, I filled my time with other things."
The group agreed that having an ‘empty nest’ feels strange at first but can ultimately lead to some fulfilling experiences.
However, Montague House receptionist Debbie Clift summed up the feelings of all the parents by saying that your children always remain a priority.
Debbie, the mum of two sons, added: “Of course, you never really switch off, even when they're married and off having families themselves; you like to check in and make sure they're safe."
