Background concept wordcloud illustration of empty nest syndrome glowing light

After intense years of focusing on grades, extracurricular activities, and college applications, families suddenly face the end of life together as it’s been for 18-odd years. For parents and kids, the impending separation brings new freedoms, but it can also upend family dynamics as children pull away in subtle and not-so-subtle ways and parents struggle to let them go.

It was jarring for Dawson, who was feeling sad about leaving her daughter, and she told her so. “Basically I said she’s going to have weeks and months and probably years to go out and be with these people,” she said.

How are you coping with the aftermath of your young adult going? What are you planning to keep the relationship growing?

The moment epitomized a rocky rite of passage that many families across the country are enduring this summer as one phase of life ends and another begins.

Go here for By Tara Bahrampour August 21 of the washingtonpost.com