What to do when your kids are flying the nest


Family
24/03/2021
It’s a big step for them and an emotional one for you. But The Everyday Effect can help you feel close even when they’re far from home.

If you feel a pang of heartache just thinking about that big day when your child leaves home, take comfort that you’re not alone – nearly 80% of parents polled in our recent survey said that they felt sad when their family reached this milestone.

We see the bigger picture – money, college exams, careers – but our children miss the little things when they’re no longer at home: a well-stocked fridge or their favourite shampoo. They wonder what happened to the magic laundry basket they had at home: the one that mysteriously empties on its own, transporting washed and ironed clothes back to their cupboards!

Our research found that kids dread everyday household tasks when they leave home, such as cooking (feared by 16%), cleaning (13%) and ironing (12%). You can help them by showing them some expert tips from mum, but once they’re away it can seem like they’re all on their own. Here are a few ideas to show you’re still taking care of them, with those ordinary everyday things that add a little bit of magic – The Everyday Effect.

They’ll need all their confidence to make a great first impression on their new friends. So slip a few things into their wash bag before they set off: a bottle of Head & Shoulders 2-in-1, and Oral-B Pro Expert Deep Clean Toothpaste. They’ll notice how good they look and you’ll feel better knowing that they’re looking after themselves.

For sons, add a Gillette Fusion ProGlide Razor, which has been named by Which? Magazine as the best buy for giving a close shave without damaging delicate skin – perfect for fresh faces and inexperienced shavers. Daughters will appreciate a little touch of luxury and practicality with the Gillette Venus & Olay Razor.

It’s a great idea to throw in some extra essentials for a daughter too. Why not add a pack of Tampax Pearl tampons? She’ll be so busy that important details can easily get overlooked, so she’ll thank you for your mum’s sixth sense.

One in four of the adults we polled told us that they associate their regular laundry brand with home, so throw in a pack of Ariel 3-in-1 Pods. They’re easy to use for novice laundry operatives, they have unbeatable power to clean, brighten and lift stains, and they’ll leave your son and daughter with the familiar scent of home every day.

Research source: survey of 1045 parents of 17+ children, with at least one who has left home, conducted by OnePoll, June 2013.