Everyone is different, and you really do have to throw you life in with your kids to do it correctly. Going to all their events, being involved in their lives, for some that is a difficult bond to break when they go off to college or get married and move out on their own. For others, its an easier transition, and one that they having been looking forward too as it gets closer. I was in the 2nd group, my wife in the first, she moped around for months after our youngest left, me, I was in the pink, loved doing what I wanted and not what the ball schedule said I was doing. Still love my kids, but really enjoy them no longer living under my roof. We talk every few days, but I stopped worrying years ago to what they are doing and if they need my help. If they need something, they will call and ask, we help when we can, and both of us can live our own lives, intertwined but separate.