The impact of living leaving home for the first time

When children move out, it can be hard to adjust. Parents can feel a range of emotions – from pride and happiness to sadness and guilt. It's also possible that you don't react immediately and feel worse as time goes on.

Empty Nest Syndrome is common and you're not alone. Family Lives have a dedicated helpline to support parents and advice about how to cope with your child moving out. 

What it's like for the young people

Leaving home and living on your own, or with friends for the first time can be exciting and worrying. Young people may be worried about being able to look after themselves, if they will have enough money or getting used to their new home.

Everyone has reasons for wanting to live on their own. These could be:

• wanting to live independently
• not getting on with your family
• being forced to leave
• moving away to university

The worry of your child leaving and living on their own can have an impact on how you both feel and how you cope. If you or your child are struggling, talk to someone you know and ask for help, or check out the Get Help Now links.

Easy Read: Housing – Our Easy Read Guide

Moving to university

Whether your child is just starting university or in their final year, looking after themselves at uni can be difficult and you may feel worried about how they’re getting on. It can be scary being away from home in a new place with people they might not know that well yet. Or they may be finding their course very challenging. Lots of young people and their parents find university difficult and however you're feeling is valid.

Universities offer their own wellbeing services to support their students, so if your child is struggling at uni, this could be helpful for them. You can find out what support is on offer at their university on the Student Space website.

There is lots of helpful information for young people about preparing for university, tips for looking after themselves and real stories from uni students on the Young Minds website.

You can find more helpful information specifically for parents on the Student Minds website.