Thriving In An Empty Nest: Live Life Fully After The Kids Move Out

Written by:Jospeh Childs

The concept of time is very strange sometimes. One minute you’re cuddled in bed reading your kids their favorite bedtime story and the next you’re suddenly alone in an empty house with storybooks packed up in the attic. Despite your best wishes, your children eventually grow into adults and leave to start their own lives. This is a pretty scary moment in your life as well, as you ponder the days of loneliness ahead. Know that with the right approach, this big life change can be navigated successfully.

Before sobbing or celebrating, whichever is your tendency when you first come home to an empty nest, remember that you will always be a parent. Your kids are not as dependent on you as they once were; however, they still want a connection with you. When children are small, they are dependent on you. You must teach them, train, them, guide them, and discipline them. Once they grow up, their link to you changes. They are still likely to come to you for advice and counsel. You will notice, though, that they will even teach you some things. The previous connection turns into something even more special: a friendship where each person has an equal role.

It is becoming increasingly more common for married couples to decide to wait to have children until they are older. This is because kids are a huge responsibility and will encroach on your time for yourself as well as with your spouse. Faced with the full time task of caring for their kids, it’s hard for couples to enjoy the romantic adventure of being together.

Once your kids are gone, you can take the opportunity to rekindle the relationship with your partner. No longer will you be interrupted when you are trying to have an intimate moment with your spouse, and you'll be able to leave the house knowing it will still be standing when you return.

Single parents can open their lives to a new world of adventure as well. Your children’s departure will give you the opportunity to head out of the house to catch up with your old friends. There are many activities out there to introduce you to new people.

Starting a new company or going on a trip across the country are things you can do with children at home, but they are certainly far easier with an empty nest. You can pursue what you have always wanted to do.

Time is always at a premium when you're raising children. When they have moved on to start families of their own, you will have all the time you want to do the things you have dreamed about doing while you wait for grandchildren to steal your heart a second time around. You might want to go back to school, implement a workout regimen, or finish that book you've always wanted to write.

Sometimes, it can take some time for new empty nesters to get used to the fact that their kids are gone. However, try not to solve the problem by getting into things too quickly and ending up way over your head in potentially irreversible life changes. Postpone getting the ill-advised butterfly tattoo until you have gotten used to the idea of living without your children. Only after you have adjusted to the change, will you be able to see things in a new perspective.

Naturally, following your dreams does not mean breaking ties with your children. Call them up off and on to ensure that you remain in touch with each other. Just as in the past, you will need to be there in their lives as they struggle through difficult phases, helping them discover their strength and fortitude in times of crisis. All that you can do now is be there for them, and hope that they make you and the rest of your family proud.