full nest syndrome

Definitions

A feeling of stress, frustration or depression experienced by some middle-aged parents whose adult children have not moved out from their house.

uncommon, uncountable

Examples

“Their parents meanwhile have⟳ their own⟳ adjustments to make⟳. You see⟳, those who were prepared for an attack of the empty-nest syndrome in September are aghast at the symptoms of a full-nest syndrome in November.”

“In one variation of the full nest syndrome, parents and/or in-laws come⟳ to live⟳ with the chosen daughter, placing even more demands for nurturance on an already beleaguered middle-aged mother.”

“Joyce answered my survey question⟳, "What particularly bothers you about your age?" this way: "Gray hair, wrinkles and a fear that my children are going to live⟳ home forever." Doctor Sheila (that's me) has labeled this attribute full-nest syndrome and I'm suffering from it even as I write⟳ this book. Full-nest syndrome produces feelings of frustration and depression in parents whose children haven't moved out and show⟳ no intention of doing so.”

“Some parents may find⟳ themselves dealing with the “full-nest syndrome” in which children return⟳ to Japan and to their parents, expecting to continue⟳ the expatriate lifestyle, much as before.”

“I needed a new shelter⟳, a way to spend⟳ my nights in the shadow of the Almighty, a time of refuge from family life. When my psychotherapist saw⟳ how excited I was about taking al nine-day silent retreat, she said I had full-nest syndrome.”

CEFR level