Every year, countless seniors rejoice as time gets closer to their graduation. Most say they can’t wait to walk across the stage.

But as students bask in the idea of going off the college and becoming an adult, some parents break out their worry beads.



Deshaundra Walker is a perfect example.

Walker’s daughter, Morgan Wilson, will soon head to Louisiana State University. Walker said she is already experiencing some anxiety

“I’m wondering what it will be like without her being home. I will miss her terribly,” Walker said. “What will happen to her now that I am not close to her? Will she be safe? Who’s going to watch over her and protect her?”

While some may tease about empty nests, doctors say, parental anxiety is no joking matter.

Dr. Florence Eddins, a psychiatrist at Baylor College of Medicine, said parents experience two types of anxiety.



“Most parents feel sadness because their child is leaving the nest,” Eddins said. “Then there’s the fear of feeling that they didn’t teach their child good enough.”

Eddins explained why these anxieties occur:

“Most times the child goes off to college around the same time the parent is going through their middle age anxiety, so there is no definite reason as to why the parent feels depressed or less enthused,” she said.

Family Therapist Dr. Ruth Bedsole said parents feeling anxiety occurs often.

“It’s quite prevalent,” said Bedsole who practices in Sugar land. “It’s more evident in women being that they voice their opinions more and society allows it more in women than men. This is quite normal and natural.”

Bedsole also had recommendations.

“(Parents) should remind themselves this is a normal experience for their child and they would want this for their child. They should spend their time exploring new activities,” Bedsole said. “With the technology that we have, many parents are able to be more connected to their child whether it’s via email, phone, or IM - many people are in closer contact.”

Walker said her biggest fear is that her daughter will not call or return home to visit.

“Sometimes I feel like she is in a hungry to get away from us or that something bad will happen to her,” she said.

Eddins recommends maintaining communication with the child.

“Parents should establish a good connection with their child, whether it is email or telephone,” Eddins said. “Make a schedule where both parties will have time to communicate with each other. The parent must give the child some leeway if they have to reschedule.”

Walker said she and her daughter have not yet discussed how they will communicate.

“We haven’t talked about it yet, but I hope she already knows that she can call, write, email or whatever and I will always respond,” Walker said.

Bedsole said she associates this feeling with “the emptiness syndrome.”

“This deals with the child leaving the house and starting their life away from home and starting their life away from home.” Bedsole said. “Parents feel lonely. They miss the activity of the child, the commotion and noise. Parents shouldn’t feel like anything is wrong because this feeling eases over time.”