The right answer is In general, the stresses and strains of childcare aren't as severe as those of an empty nest.
Empty nest syndrome is a feeling of loneliness, emptiness and sadness felt by parents when their children leave home for the first time.
Since the departure of young adults from the family home is a normal event, symptoms of Empty Nest Syndrome are often not recognized. This can lead to depression and loss of motivation for parents, as the departure of their children from the "nest" causes adjustments in their lives. Empty nest syndrome is particularly common in full-time mothers.
The offspring mobilize a lot of attention, energy and stress when they are at home or when they leave (in both cases).