2024-11-10 12:38:00
A new study conducted by the Nuremberg Institute for Employment Research and the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, in Germany, followed 5,000 households to analyze the emotional impact of children leaving on parents. The results indicate that the transition linked to the departure of the first child is much more difficult to manage than that of the last.
Researchers explain that when the first child leaves home, parents often experience a decrease in their overall satisfaction with their family life.
“The departure of the first child is associated with a notable drop in parental satisfaction, because it marks a new stage in family dynamics and can trigger a feeling of loss,” says Professor Tobias Wolbring, co-author of the study. .
On the other hand, when the last child leaves the home, the parents seem better emotionally prepared and adapt more easily to this new phase of life.
Gradual adaptation and different effects depending on the family context
The study shows that the “launch phase“, when the first child leaves, is the most emotionally trying for parents, who must adapt to the reorganization of daily life. On the other hand, the “empty nest phase”, when all the children have left home, feels differently : parents have often already acquired some experience and know better how to manage absence.
“Once the last child leaves, parents learn to overcome the emotional void and restructure their lives,” says Professor Wolbring.
The study also noted a decrease in parental satisfaction with household income after the departure of the first child. This phenomenon could be linked to the financial support that children continue to request even after leaving the family home, which can put additional pressure on the parents’ budget.
Parents of only children seem particularly affected by the departure of their offspringwhich is explained by more intense ties and a closer relationship between them. For these parents, the absence of the child represents a major loss in their daily life, accentuating the feeling of emptiness and the difficulty in adapting.
A different impact on mothers and fathers
The results of the study also reveal that the departure of the first child affects mothers and fathers differently. Non-working mothers are most vulnerable, as they often experience significant loss of parenting.
“The departure of a child may lead some stay-at-home mothers to question their social identity, since a large part of their daily life was centered on caring for the child,” the researchers explain.
On the other hand, fathers seem to change their behavior at home after the children leave. The study observed a 15-minute increase in the time fathers spent on household chores once a child leaves the house. For their part, mothers slightly reduce their domestic burden, an observation that researchers have yet to fully explain.
“This change in domestic dynamics could be linked to a reorganization of family roles after the children leave, but we only have hypotheses for the moment,” says Professor Wolbring.
The crucial role of psychological support and social bonds
Researchers emphasize that social and psychological support can play a crucial role in parents’ adaptation to this transition. In many cases, parents who benefit of a good social network cope better and are more easily able to fill the void left by the departure of the children. The study therefore recommends strengthening community initiatives and support programs for parents going through this period of change.
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**Interview with Professor Tobias Wolbring on the Emotional Impact of Children Leaving Home**
**Editor:** Today we have with us Professor Tobias Wolbring from the Nuremberg Institute for Employment Research, one of the co-authors of a recent study exploring the emotional impact on parents when their children leave home. Thank you for joining us, Professor Wolbring.
**Professor Wolbring:** Thank you for having me.
**Editor:** Your study tracked 5,000 households in Germany. What did you find regarding the emotional impact of children leaving home, particularly the first child?
**Professor Wolbring:** Our research revealed that the departure of the first child is significantly more challenging for parents than the departure of subsequent children. When the first child leaves, it often triggers a profound sense of loss and a notable drop in parental satisfaction. This marks a pivotal change in family dynamics and can be emotionally overwhelming.
**Editor:** That sounds quite significant. You mentioned that the transition felt differently for parents when the last child left home. Can you elaborate on that?
**Professor Wolbring:** Yes, absolutely. By the time the last child leaves the nest, parents typically have adjusted to the idea of their children becoming independent. They often feel more emotionally prepared and tend to adapt more easily to the empty nest phase. This experience equips them to handle the change better compared to the initial transition.
**Editor:** Interesting. Did your study also explore how the departure impacts parents financially?
**Professor Wolbring:** Indeed, we observed that parental satisfaction with household income tends to decrease after the first child departs. This is likely due to the ongoing financial support that adult children may still require, creating added pressure on parents.
**Editor:** Were there any differences observed between the experiences of mothers and fathers regarding their children’s departure?
**Professor Wolbring:** Yes, our research did show differences in emotional responses between mothers and fathers. Mothers often reported feeling a more significant emotional void and were more affected by the change compared to fathers. This difference may stem from the typically closer bonds mothers tend to have with their children.
**Editor:** Lastly, did you find any specific impacts on parents of only children?
**Professor Wolbring:** Absolutely. Parents of only children seem particularly affected when their child leaves home. The emotional ties are often more intense, and the absence of that one child can create a substantial feeling of emptiness, making it harder for these parents to adapt.
**Editor:** Thank you, Professor Wolbring, for sharing your valuable insights from this study. It certainly sheds light on a vital issue that many families face.
**Professor Wolbring:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important research.
