Empty nest survival guide
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Your support makes all the difference.Are your children about to go off to uni? Don't worry, you’ll still get to do their washing...
Keep your sense of humour – their washing will turn up when they come to visit, and they will still continue to expect you to sort out their crises while they go to the pub. There, you see, they still love you
Go and find a life to keep yourself busy and keep things in perspective
Give your partner a break – they miss them too, more than they will admit
Train your son or daughter to ring or text regularly – feel free to use emotional blackmail. They may hate you for it, but at least you’ll sleep at night
Mark the wine bottle so you keep an eye on how much you’re drinking while waiting for a call
No response to your six texts does not mean they’re dead in a ditch. Don’t always assume the worst – being a student can be pretty hectic
Remember that thousands of other parents just like you are going through exactly the same things
Try to think about all the important life lessons your offspring are learning
Be nice to your own mum – she had to go through this and you didn’t notice
Remember, your child could be studying and living at home. Is it really so bad they’re at uni?
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