EXCLUSIVE: Jo Whiley says empty nest syndrome is 'a small price to pay' as daughter Coco prepares to leave home

Jo Whiley has admitted she's already dreading becoming an empty nester as the youngest of her four children, daughter Coco, prepares to leave for university this autumn.

But she insists she would never stand in the way of her dreams, telling woman&home, with her usual candour, "I'm already feeling redundant!"

Despite her fears, Jo says she's excited for Coco to embrace the next chapter, even if it means she'll have to get used to Coco not being around the house as much. "I'd never stop her because I know she's going to absolutely love university. She’ll have the best time.”

The Radio 2 presenter and podcaster admits she's found herself thinking about how quickly family life changes, but has made peace with the fact that becoming an empty nester is a part of being a parent.

"It's a small price to pay for your children being happy. That is what you want for them first and foremost.”

Jo says she's taken comfort from the fact she's far from alone, revealing many of her closest friends are experiencing exactly the same emotions as their children prepare to leave home. "All my friends are going through exactly the same thing, so we can talk to each other about it, and that really helps."

Although she's wobbly about the transition, she believes watching her children spread their wings and grow into independent adults is what every parent hopes for. "You bring your children up to fly the nest. That's what you've worked towards all along."

While Jo knows she'll miss having Coco hanging out at home as much, she's looking forward to hearing about her daughter's new adventures and seeing her flourish. “It's the right time for her. It's going to be emotional, of course it is, but it's also something to celebrate. And she’ll be back to visit. I love it when all the kids come back and we’re all together."