'It was definitely brutal': Fern Britton reflects on the challenge of children leaving for university and an empty nest

Fern Britton attends the Costa Book Awards.

It's approaching the time of year that many parents will be saying goodbye to their children as they head off to university in September.

For some, this will mean having to make a huge adjustment as they come to terms with having an empty house after so many years of their time being dedicated to their offspring.