it will just my husband and I

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm dreading it. I have one more year.

Not because I don't love my DH but I will profoundly miss my child and her busy schedule. We have a nice school community and I just won't see those people on the regular, anymore. I love the 3 of us and our family unit and it will not longer be the same. I know that is good, right, kid is doing what she's supposed to do, etc. etc. But, the grief I feel over the end of childhood, end of us as unity is huge.

Hugs to you! It really sucks, to be honest. I’m happy other people enjoy the “freedom” but it just feels lonely (and unnatural) to me. You are not alone!

Ditto.

I miss the days when my child was young so much.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Uninvolved or super involved, all parents enter a new phase as empty nesters. Its an emotional transition, everyone adjusts in their own way but consciously reshaping your lives is a necessity. You still have good 20+ years left so reconnect with each other as couple, with children as adult to adult and with friends as free birds. Enjoy freedom, downsize possessions and liabilities, travel, plan for post-retirement and elderly years. Its time to be flexible, untethered, enlightened so you can float freely without trappings of the world.

Not everyone has a partner.
After they leave you are eating alone, traveling alone, doing all the chores at home.

I did not mind that in my twenties, but I am now used to my daughter’s company .

I understand that her departure (and very minimal engagement at this point) is normal and healthy, but I think the post-parenting phase of life is less fun and rewarding.

[Anonymous]

It's important to maintain healthy relationships with other people for this particular reason.

I just think when they are not near you, you need other people to socialize with. That is an important way to keep busy and not dwell into your adult kids life every day. Don't be that parent to check on your kid everyday. Cut the cord.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It is so quiet. Find it hard to find things to talk about, because everything was always about the kids. You do less laundry and dishes. Learning to cook for 2 was hard and grocery shopping even harder. You do get back your time which is nice but you will miss the chaos.

I am a divorced empty nester, and I agree shopping for one was challenging. It took me a while to adapt, and a lot of food was wasted along the way.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would change food patterns and start deep cleaning.

🤣🤣

[Anonymous]

Absolutely love our empty nest!
Adore our kids .. However, we are both happy our kids are own their own.


The end.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Absolutely love our empty nest!
Adore our kids .. However, we are both happy our kids are own their own.


The end.

I will miss the kids. But we unfortunately have elder care that's likely to be a huge responsibility.

Makes me wish I were younger & had a few years to kick back & do something new with my free time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Absolutely love our empty nest!
Adore our kids .. However, we are both happy our kids are own their own.


The end.

I will miss the kids. But we unfortunately have elder care that's likely to be a huge responsibility.

Makes me wish I were younger & had a few years to kick back & do something new with my free time.

Completely understandable

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's important to maintain healthy relationships with other people for this particular reason.

I just think when they are not near you, you need other people to socialize with. That is an important way to keep busy and not dwell into your adult kids life every day. Don't be that parent to check on your kid everyday. Cut the cord.

I have worked, traveled, maintained friendships etc. So your “cut the cord” comment is not applicable. But I enjoy my family, and my child. My child is the best thing I’ve done. And I miss not being with her. I miss our family unit.

I know it’s normal. But still is not easy.