So they've FLOWN THE NEST?

Forget the hankies, you'll be surprised at just how shiny the silver lining is that's left behind, says author Fiona Gibson

- Fiona Gibson

So they're off, embarking on a thrilling new chapter in their lives. But where does that leave you? Feeling lost, redundant and knocking on the door of their uni halls with a casserole?

When you've spent close to two decades with your offspring, there'll be something of a void when they're gone. In a survey commissioned by university accommodation provider Unite, a third of parents admitted to drinking more to ease the transition. Similar numbers acquired a pet to fill that teen-shaped gap, while another third threw themselves into cleaning. Yes, cleaning! For some of us, it really is that bad.

However, while I missed my twin sons - then daughter - terribly, I discovered that this stage isn't quite the desolate wasteland I'd envisaged. In fact, I've even (whisper it) enjoyed my new-found freedoms. Here are 10 ways to feel better about your empty nest-no drunken vacuuming required...

1 STUFF STAYS PUT

No one's going to take your stuff. Your chargers will remain where you always put them. You won't head for the fridge, looking forward to that slice of quiche you'd earmarked for lunch only to find a plate speckled with crumbs. It might seem like scant compensation for your son or daughter being far away. But it's actually gratifying, no longer searching madly for your house keys, only for your teenager to casually fish them from a pocket with an, 'Oh, I lost mine so I borrowed yours.

2 CONTACT IS EASY