Coping with the Empty Nest: ASU Launches New Program for Parents
A Support System for a Major Life Transition
Coping with your children heading off to college or moving out of the family home for good can be challenging, but a team at one college here in the United States is working to make the transition to becoming an empty nester a bit easier.
Introducing "Thriving in Your Empty Nest Chapter"
Arizona State University is launching a program for the parents and guardians of enrolled students called "Thriving in Your Empty Nest Chapter." It’s one of the first courses of its kind, and will be four weeks long, starting on September 27.
Understanding the Pain of Empty Nesting
"When parents are dropping off their kids, that is a classic, iconic time that can be really hard," Kari Cardinale, partner and chief content officer at Modern Elder Academy, a midlife wisdom school, tells CNBC Make It. "Many parents talk [about] the tears they shed, or that pit in their stomach, a sense of pride, but also grief of this profound transition. And we never really created any rituals for these moments rather than suffer through them."
A Course Designed for Parents
The course is designed to provide an opportunity for parents to come together, meet each other, and learn about this transitional time of life. The online module will consist of live events every Friday via Zoom, allowing parents to meet other parents around the world. The hope is for them to learn how to embrace the positive side of empty nesting and develop strong support systems, maybe even amongst each other.
Expert Insights
The course will feature insights from top experts like Barbara Waxman, a gerontologist with expertise in empty nesting, and Gretchen Rubin, a best-selling author who writes about happiness. Cardinale also spoke to ASU professors and fathers who provided firsthand experiences on what empty nesting feels like.
A Supportive Environment
"We go through the program in four weeks time, and they have a little bit of material that they can be reading and listening to on their own," Cardinale says. "And because it’s for parents, there’s no quizzes, there’s no homework, there’s no expectation to have to finish it all. It’s really on our own time."
Conclusion
The "Thriving in Your Empty Nest Chapter" program is designed to help parents cope with the challenges of becoming an empty nester and find a sense of fulfillment in their new lifestyle. By providing a supportive environment and expert insights, ASU is giving parents the tools they need to thrive in this transition.
FAQs
Q: Who is eligible to enroll in the program?
A: The program is open to ASU parents and ASU alumni with children heading to college.
Q: How long is the program?
A: The program is four weeks long, with live events every Friday via Zoom.
Q: What is the cost of the program?
A: The cost is $500, with financial aid options available.
Q: Can I access the program at my own pace?
A: Yes, the program is designed to be flexible, with no expectation to finish it all at once.
