Parents top worries about their children leaving home

A poll of 2,000 parents of children who have recently been to university, are currently studying or are planning to in the near future, found that while 56 per cent feel excited for their offspring as they fly the nest, 41 per cent are anxious. 

And 64 per cent of those who have a child that has already left home admitted they have even lost sleep worrying about them. 

But 53 per cent put these worries down to a fear that their son or daughter feels nothing bad will ever happen to them. 

The research, commissioned by Bupa to support the launch of its new Family+ insurance proposition built around savings on health insurance for families, also revealed parents’ top fears for their child as they embark on life away from the family home.

These include their mental health (43 per cent), their financial situation (44 per cent), and whether they will be lonely (43 per cent).

Others worry who they will be spending time with (31 per cent), if they’ll know how to look after themselves (32 per cent) and what they’ll do when they feel unwell (23 per cent).

Dr Naveen Puri, spokesperson for Bupa Family+, which has launched an online guide to help those embarking on this new life stage, said: “All parents worry about their children, whatever their age.

“But it can be especially difficult when they move out for the first time and become more independent – and you are no longer nearby to help them. 

“As a child and even a young adult, when you are unwell or have a health issue, your parents are often your first port of call, or even the ones spotting something is wrong in the first place.

“They are usually the ones pointing you in the right direction, sorting appointments and arranging medication you might need. 

“We know moving out or going to university is both an exciting and daunting time for all the family and we hope our new Family+ cover, which also insures older children, will help provide peace of mind to parents and their children alike.”