It’s natural for parents and guardians to feel at a loss when their young person leaves home for the first time. Here, Dr Dominique Thompson provides 10 top tips for those dealing with Empty Nest Syndrome: EXPERT TOP TIPS: COMING TO TERMS WITH AN EMPTY NEST About Dr Dominique Thompson Dr Dominique is an award-winning former GP, young people's mental health expert, TEDx speaker and author with over two decades of NHS clinical experience. As an independent mental health consultant, she holds roles including; President of the Student Health Association, membership of the UK government’s Higher Education Mental Health Implementation Taskforce, and Clinical Advisor to NICE and Student Minds. 9. Don’t guilt them: Instead, let them know they’re missed. Send a picture of their empty room with a joke about how tidy it is, rather than a crying face emoji! They’ll know that you miss them but want to feel reassured that you’re coping. 10. Ask for help: If you’re still struggling after four to six weeks, try not to overburden your young person with worries. Talk to your support network and ask your GP for help. You’re not alone - help is out there. 5. Give it time: If the loss of their presence feels like a bereavement, remember it takes time to adjust and recover. However, as with grief, it happens in small steps, and you might need support to get there. 6. Focus on you: Take time to address health issues, tackle weight loss, increase fitness, investigate a hobby, or learn something new. 7. Avoid loneliness: Actively plan to spend time with your family, friends or partner. Make sure you see or speak to someone every day if you need companionship. 8. Stay in touch: Pre-arrange how often you’ll speak to them, and plan when you’ll see them next. For anything in- between, set up a WhatsApp group for pictures and banter. 1. Find a new purpose: Having a new reason to get up every day is vital for wellbeing and provides structure and meaning. Why not help a neighbour, try volunteering, or even get a pet or plant to nurture? 2. Establish new routines: Loss of routine and daily structure can throw you. Establish routines that make you feel good. A peaceful morning coffee or evening walk will help ground you and reduce anxiety. 3. Address sensory loss: You may miss their voice, their smell, and even their movement around the home. Photos can remind you of happy times, while a bottle of their scent or aftershave can trigger sensory memories. It’s normal to miss their presence, so wean yourself off gradually. 4. Address other issues: Rather than making life-changing decisions in throes of empty nest sadness, use the time to sort things out. Talk to people you trust, take time to ponder options and decide when you’re ready. Further resources and support: Websites www.growingagrownup.com www.savethestudent.org Books ‘How to Grow a Grown Up’ by Dominique Thompson and Fabienne Vailes ‘The Empty Nest: Your Changing Family, Your New Direction’ by Celia Dodd Communities For all parents and carers – Facebook: The Growing a Grown Up private community created by Dr Dominique Thompson For single parents – gingerbread.org.uk/ community/online- forum/topic/empty-nest-cant-stop-crying/