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Why Is Foster Caring A Good Way To Avoid ‘Empty Nest Syndrome’?

Empty nest syndrome refers to the feelings of sadness, loss, and loneliness that some parents experience when their children begin to grow up and ‘flee the nest’ to become independent adults, whether that be for University, into their first home or for whatever the reason may be. It can be a challenging transition period for parents who have devoted a significant portion of their lives to raising their children, then are left feeling a sense of emptiness and loneliness having been ‘left behind’. Fostering children can therefore be the perfect option for some parents experiencing this sense of loss, to help ‘fill that void’ and bring some busyness, routine and fun back into their homes. There’s a number of reasons for this, which include:

  1. Desire to Parent: Many parents have spent a lot of their lives caring for and nurturing their own children. When those children leave home, the desire to continue parenting and providing love and support often still remains, which is why fostering can often be a way to fulfil those parental instincts.
  2. Emotional Fulfilment: Fostering children provides a sense of purpose and fulfilment. It can help combat the loneliness and emptiness that empty nest syndrome often brings. Caring for and nurturing a child can bring joy and a renewed sense of purpose to parents, who otherwise feel a sense of loss and purpose.
  3. Experience and Expertise: Parents who have raised their own children often have valuable experience and knowledge in child-rearing. This experience can be put to good use when fostering children who may have experienced trauma or difficult circumstances. It can make them well-equipped to provide a stable and loving home and extend those love and lessons to children who need it more than ever.
  4. Giving Back: Fostering can be seen as a way to give back to the community or society. It’s an opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of children who may not have had the same opportunities for a loving and stable home as your own children did. It may be a challenging role, but it’s one of the most rewarding things you will ever do.
  5. Company and Companionship: For some parents, the absence of children in the home can lead to feelings of loneliness and often boredom. Fostering can provide company and companionship, helping to alleviate feelings of loneliness, and give a whole new sense of purpose.
  6. Personal Growth: Fostering can also be a path to personal growth and learning. It requires patience, empathy, and adaptability, which can lead to personal development and a sense of accomplishment, often like no other career.

It’s important to note that while fostering can be a fulfilling option for some parents experiencing empty nest syndrome, it also comes with its own set of challenges and responsibilities. It’s crucial to carefully consider the decision, but if it is something you can’t get out of your head and feel it really is something you’d like to do, then get in touch and we will offer you all the support and guidance you need in making the right decision for you. Give us a call on 0800 1093 3012 to take those first steps to a new chapter!

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