"Empty Nest Syndrome"...gra ndchildren this time not children!

I am finding it far more difficult with grandchildren flying the nest than my children, I am lost

But perhaps it is harder this time around as we are less likely to see those GC fully established and having their own children, which was something we had to look forward to when our own children flew the nest.

Life matches on and brings good things and bad. Seeing children or GC fly the nest has a bit of both attached!

This is my problem as well and it happened so suddenly. The DGDs are so busy with their own lives and when I do see them they don't say much or want to play cards or scrabble or anything and are actually just waiting to go home to their own life and above all to see their friends again.

I knew this would happen one day as I remember the problems taking my own children to 'boring' afternoons with their grandparents when they were in their teens.

I am struggling with an empty nest second time around and am finding it distressing. Was a one parent family so daughters were the centre , they both married and then my grandson was born , lived very close so saw him every day he even stayed weekends with me untill he was fourteen, two granddaughters followed , second one was a difficult little mite so she spent a lot of time with me. Grandson went to university , has now moved away for work. Elder grandaughter gets A level results this week so quite probably university this September and younger waiting for GCSE results . I am eldest of five so have always had children central in my life , I am lost

My girls are into music, clothes , makeup etc and are not tarty , they are healthy , happy teenagers .

We have to let go of our grandchildren as we did our children , encourage them ' to fly'

Be happy for them - you have played your part in helping to bring them up and instilling values. I am sure they will be popping in and out whenever they can. You will not be forgotten!

Oh, *GangstaGran, I feel for you and it's also made me worry about my own circumstance in the future (though quite far away I hope). It sounds like you have a great relationship with your 'girlies'. Sure they'd love to hear from you while they're away.

No advice, just empathy. Until June this year I had looked after my DGSx2 three days a week whilst DD worked. That's now all changed due to circumstances. I now see them about once a fortnight. At first I was relieved and relishing the rest. I'm now getting to the point where I miss them.
Can you Skype them ?
I think your comment about being old fashioned because they don't dress in tarty clothes is harsh. Not all girls who are into boys, makeup and music dress tarty.