_A spare room is often available when children leave home. The question then arises as to what to convert the spare room into. Converting the spare room is a challenge and may emotionally feel as though your child will never be around. Making the conversion is a good method for bringing closure to your child leaving home and dealing with empty nest syndrome. Converting a spare room can be a fun project that turns your woes into wows!

Craft and Hobby Room

Many people enjoy different crafts – such as woodworking, sewing or scrapbooking. Converting the spare room into a craft room allows you to enjoy your craft hobbies and passion all in one place. You no longer have to clear the kitchen table to put together scrapbooks or squeeze a corner of the coffee table to complete a large jigsaw puzzle. Set up the spare room to enjoy crafts and hobbies.

Indoor Clubhouse Room

Install surround sound speakers and convert an empty bookcase into a cocktail bar in the spare room. Toss in a few large floor pillows and a small television to convert the spare room into an adult indoor clubhouse room. With no small children around, it is the perfect time to use the spare room for bonding as a married couple or simply kicking back to completely relax if you are single.

Break Away from Tradition

Use your imagination to convert the spare room into a fun and exciting place specifically for you. Take advantage of the space. Typical conversions include office space, a guest bedroom or a play room for the grandchildren. Turn the spare room into a steamy love nest or spa or even a greenhouse or exercise room. If you are a music lover, a recording studio would work well. Break away from traditional functions of spare rooms to create something that is truly unique and meaningful to you with the additional space.

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Many parents forget who they were before they had children. The thought of children leaving home can throw a parent into a bad case of empty nest syndrome. Nothing can totally prepare you for the feelings associated with empty nest syndrome, but there are steps you can take to be better prepared.
  • Make a list of all the places you would like to travel. After children leave home, you don't have to worry about school schedules and other activities that prevented you from traveling whenever you wanted.
  • Remind yourself of the hobbies you put on hold while raising your children. Makes plans to take up those hobbies again.
  • Relish in the thought that your life won't be so regimented and you can rekindle your dreams.
  • Do volunteer work to maintain or gain a sense of purpose.
  • Make monthly plans to meet with your children so that you maintain a sense of the family life you once had with them. Have dinner together and talk about cherished childhood memories and update each other on new events.
Keep in mind, your children have left home, but they haven't left you. They will always be in your life.

“Life affords no greater responsibility, no greater privilege, than the raising of the next generation.” - C. Everett Koop






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