In this video, I will discuss my Empty Nest journey and the strategies I used to get through the process and come out on the other side living my best life!
Your experiences resonate with me. What a marvelous mom you are and have been. It’s obvious you’ve done so many things well, as your children were able to leave home and be successful adults away from you. I frequently remind myself that one mark of successful parenting is that your children can leave home and don’t need you “parenting” them. And we too, ask our children’s advice now, as they are competent and successful adults who understand so very well. One thing you mentioned was working on your marriage while the kids are growing up, and we didn’t actually begin this in earnest until we had our 3rd (and youngest). We began taking anniversary trips every year, just the two of us, and began building a history of adventures that didn’t include our children. Our oldest daughter and my sisters took care of our youngest while we were gone (usually a 4-5 day trip, to an new place in Mexico, or a location like New Orleans, Tybee Island, or a cabin in a state park with great hiking spots.) We were surprised at how these trips were exactly what we needed, and continue those anniversary trips now, even after being “empty nesters”. The planning and coordination of the event is almost as fun as the actual trip. We also planned big family trips too, and those would be 2-3 weeks long, and are treasuredmemoriestoo. How we would love to be able to do those again! I’ve found working on gardening, and recently, bird feeding has helped. And like you, I got a pet (a cat) when our youngest moved out. I find there are days I feel the emptiness to the point of tears. But I’m so so proud of all 3 of our daughters. They are amazing adults. I try to focus on that. I love this “talk” Sherry. It speaks to me. Thank you!
You nailed it! This is more common than we think. Thank you! We’re not crazy, it’s real. Another understated change is menopause. Aging women have been neglected by society.
Your experiences resonate with me. What a marvelous mom you are and have been. It’s obvious you’ve done so many things well, as your children were able to leave home and be successful adults away from you. I frequently remind myself that one mark of successful parenting is that your children can leave home and don’t need you “parenting” them. And we too, ask our children’s advice now, as they are competent and successful adults who understand so very well.
One thing you mentioned was working on your marriage while the kids are growing up, and we didn’t actually begin this in earnest until we had our 3rd (and youngest). We began taking anniversary trips every year, just the two of us, and began building a history of adventures that didn’t include our children. Our oldest daughter and my sisters took care of our youngest while we were gone (usually a 4-5 day trip, to an new place in Mexico, or a location like New Orleans, Tybee Island, or a cabin in a state park with great hiking spots.) We were surprised at how these trips were exactly what we needed, and continue those anniversary trips now, even after being “empty nesters”. The planning and coordination of the event is almost as fun as the actual trip. We also planned big family trips too, and those would be 2-3 weeks long, and are treasuredmemoriestoo. How we would love to be able to do those again!
I’ve found working on gardening, and recently, bird feeding has helped. And like you, I got a pet (a cat) when our youngest moved out.
I find there are days I feel the emptiness to the point of tears. But I’m so so proud of all 3 of our daughters. They are amazing adults. I try to focus on that.
I love this “talk” Sherry. It speaks to me. Thank you!
Alice, you and Al are amazing parents as well, as evidenced by your amazing daughters! Thank you so much for sharing your insight and advice😊
You nailed it! This is more common than we think. Thank you! We’re not crazy, it’s real. Another understated change is menopause. Aging women have been neglected by society.
Yes we have! Thank you for your response and kind words!
I really enjoy your videos. You are a great inspiration for all of us.
Thank you so much, Debbie!
I’m going through this right now. Oldest in college and youngest is in 10 th grade. Great advice .
Best wishes! It gets better!
hello from BD
Hello
So very curious, where do you live? I'm from South Mississippi.
I live in Kentucky😊