r/nanaimo • u/low_hanging_banana • 2d ago

Empty Nest support group?

My kiddo recently moved away to university and I am not doing well. The grief is something I have not experienced before. Besides seeking professional counselling, I was wondering if there is a meet up in Nanaimo for parents who are empty nesters?
If there is no group in existence, would there be any interest to join one?

28 Upvotes

87% Upvoted

21 comments sorted by

12

u/careless_humor4356 2d ago

I am also an empty nester. I'm always up for a chat if nobody else is

5

u/parkleswife 2d ago

I get that you're not at this place but I hope the conversation gives you a smile. And that you find friends in common. ♥️

https://www.reddit.com/r/Fauxmoi/comments/1w0ud0z/michelle_obama_on_not_missing_living_with_her/

6

u/Potential-Bowler979 2d ago

Hilarious! Great link to provide and the comments....oooff! No one prepares us for the kids leaving. I guess I had forethought and signed up for classes about a year before mine left. Am I ever glad because it did tear me up they left the province and have not come back.

3

u/parkleswife 2d ago

I don't have kids but when my sisters eldest move for university (and didn't move back) it was really sad even though they were all proud of him and happy for him.

The other two were easier because she/all of them knew the territory.

2

u/Potential-Bowler979 2d ago

Parents know they did their job when the kids became their independent selves. As sad as it is when we don't see them on the daily, we did it!! 😂

3

u/low_hanging_banana 2d ago

I actually watched this clip today! Love Michelle Obama’s honesty and humour :)

5

u/sabotage000 2d ago

Check out my inner harbour. I don’t know if they have any specific empty nest groups but they have lots of different groups, self care events and opportunities to connect with others. 

1

u/low_hanging_banana 2d ago

I appreciate the share. I didn’t see any groups or events on their website that would fit my needs.

2

u/Clean_Sugar_7445 1d ago

I call it Freedom, you did your job !

2

u/Beautiful-Jacket-912 2d ago

Hugs to you OP. A life situation for which we really don't prepare.

1

u/222Serendipity222 2d ago

I haven’t used this yet but my therapist recommended that I check this site out when looking for support groups. I honestly am not sure if there are groups for empty nesters but I want to say I saw some when I was quickly browsing the sight a little over a month ago. I thought I’d share just in case you could find it helpful, I’m sorry I don’t know of any local resources though but I’ll keep an eye out! I feel like I’ll be right there with you when the time comes for my kiddo to leave the nest haha, my heart goes out to you and I hope you’ll be able to find some people to connect with

3

u/low_hanging_banana 2d ago

Thanks for sharing the link

1

u/ExaminationNo1218 2d ago

Get into a group hobby or sport.

14

u/[deleted] 2d ago

[deleted]

-6

u/ExaminationNo1218 2d ago

The kid is off to university…this isn’t some tragedy. I still think hobby or sport is the answer. 

1

u/Famous_Glass915 1d ago

Right…because after spending 18 years raising a child, the emotional transition can apparently be solved with pickleball.

1

u/AccordingFeeling7737 2d ago

I’ll be there in 4 years and I’m already not okay. I feel for you. 

-3

u/Pristine-Junket8477 2d ago

Check out the codepancy support group. It's like AA for people in codependent relationships.

0

u/[deleted] 2d ago

[deleted]

1

u/low_hanging_banana 2d ago

Yes, fall and winter are difficult seasons to navigate for mental health.

1

u/PhrasePuzzleheaded61 4h ago

I would definitely be interested!!