Empty Nesting
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Anonymous
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Not much changed for me in terms of my social circle, hobbies etc. Now I just have more time to travel with my DH and take care of my health.
I think of it as a small little pause though. I am sure we will be needed by our children in a different way once they get married and have children. |
Anonymous
Once you have grandkids, you have a family with new members and you have a different role to play in it. |
Anonymous
Your kids may not have kids. Better to form a full and sufficient life on your own, not around their orbit. |
Anonymous
| We found volunteer opportunities to fill time. We are aggressively saving for college/retirement so we didn't have a lot of extra money to travel. But we identified some ways we want to volunteer and spend anywhere from 10-40 hrs./month doing that. We have met some great people, it gives us a purpose and keeps us from going home every night after work and laying on the couch for hours. |
Anonymous
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We thought we were going to be empty nesters and then suddenly we had an elderly parent move in. So so hard. That lasted 2 years before he passed away recently and now we really are empty nesters.
First thing we did: sleep more Other things we do now: are more spontaneous; got a dog; do road trips (we can both worth from anywhere); take long walks or work out more; got a new hobby (DH: cooking; me: musical instrument); forced ourselves to see friends more. The elderly parent really limited our ability to do social things and we got used to being by ourselves, so we are trying to rekindle relationships. Neither of us love it but we know it is good for us. |
Anonymous
Indeed. Plus the kind of kids that move away or even abroad tend to be more interesting themselves. |
Anonymous
| 4 years into empty nesting, we got a puppy. Not sure I advise it lol. |
Anonymous
Of course. No one is waiting for our children/grandchildren to make our lives full. We have always had a full and sufficient life, have a thriving social circle, favorite causes and hobbies, family, relatives and travelling. This was true even when kids were little. BUT, we do know that if our kids have children, we will prioritize their needs first. We are financially independent and at a point in our lives that we can help our children. |
Anonymous
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My youngest is in college. One more year after this. Then, our nest will truly be empty.
I hate it, OP. I loved having the kids at home. It was the greatest time of my life. I'm going to grad school now, and went back to work after a long hiatus. I love both of these things, but I loved being home with my kids more. It was so great to have them around. They have their own lives now. Yes, we see them, but it's not the same as that constant taking them to their activities and matches and appointments, etc., and always trying to check in with them and figure out what's going on with them. Now, it's up to them to fix their problems, and that's a good thing, but it still makes me feel sad. I loved taking care of them and having all of us under one roof. I miss that. I'm looking forward to grandparenting one day, but it won't be the same. You never think about your empty nest until it happens. You're too busy dealing with your kids. |
Anonymous
It sound like you did a great job!! |
Anonymous
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Get on with life.
Enjoy the flexibility and freedom. |