Empty Nest, New Beginnings: Thai Parents Face Mixed Emotions as Children Move Out
In Thailand, the moment many young people leave home for college or a first job marks a quiet turning point for families. The nest—once full with meals, rides to school, and daily conversations—suddenly feels both lighter and heavier. This transition is not a clinical illness, but a powerful emotional shift that can provoke a spectrum of feelings: loss, loneliness, relief, and new-found freedom all at once. Across households, parents and guardians grapple with what it means to redefine their roles while still remaining deeply connected to their children. The news from around the world is clear: empty nest experiences are deeply personal, shaped as much by culture and family dynamics as by individual resilience.