LibraryScenariosHow empty nest syndrome reveals over-identification with parenting
Scenario

How empty nest syndrome reveals over-identification with parenting

My kids are grown and successful and I'm proud but I also feel completely purposeless because raising them was my entire identity for 25 years.

Juana
Online
The coach is replying

More people experience this than they realize.

What we've seen

Parental identity becomes problematic when it entirely subsumes personal identity, leaving emptiness when active parenting ends.

Ideas that help explain it
Worth thinking about

“Where Are You with Parental identity — becoming and losing?”

If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.