Anonymous
06/22/2015 17:45
Subject: Re:I am getting the first pangs of "Empty Nest"
Not the OP (and my only child is 11), but I want to thank the posters on this thread for their many supportive and thoughtful comments. I've started to experience a few pangs as my son gets older and attains more independence, and I really appreciate hearing from other parents who have experienced this. It's nice to see a thread where (most of) the posters provide advice and support. I wish this were more the norm across all the boards on DCUM.
Anonymous
06/21/2015 19:10
Subject: I am getting the first pangs of "Empty Nest"
I would suggest you go on a hike or bike adventure in September after they depart for college. Until then, start training for it slowly and methodically. Something to look forward to.
Anonymous
06/21/2015 19:05
Subject: I am getting the first pangs of "Empty Nest"
I had the same deep pangs this weekend when my son went for a week trip- it just was the first time I felt like I may feel when he leaves next year. It wasn't about having nothing to do (he has 3 younger siblings and I work full time) but just the passage of time, him growing up, and purely missing him.
Anonymous
06/20/2015 12:38
Subject: Re:I am getting the first pangs of "Empty Nest"
Anonymous wrote:Sounds like you raised two interesting and responsible young people, OP. Your daughter has the smarts and independence to spend the summer in Europe in a language program and your son has a job and is doing volunteer work this summer. You have a lot to be proud of!
Yes, the transition is hard especially when you have two gone at the same time and no other kids at home. This, as others have suggested, is the time to reinvent your life. Your kids will be gone to college and your life will look much different. What do you want for you? If money is not an issue, then what about a full time volunteer position you feel passionately about? Or a return to college or graduate school? Get yourself and DH back into a healthful eating and exercise routine together. Or do as my one friend did and go out and get a part time job as a nanny. (She adores it!)
Basically, start shifting your thought from your kids to yourself and DH. Trust me - you are going to love it once September 2016 gets here! Their senior year is chock full of so much drama and stress that when my last went off to college I was happy for the first time in a year.
So true! Great advice.
Anonymous
06/20/2015 12:17
Subject: Re:I am getting the first pangs of "Empty Nest"
Maybe look into being foster parents?
Or hosting foriegn students?
Or hosting foriegn students?
Anonymous
06/20/2015 12:14
Subject: Re:I am getting the first pangs of "Empty Nest"
Sounds like you raised two interesting and responsible young people, OP. Your daughter has the smarts and independence to spend the summer in Europe in a language program and your son has a job and is doing volunteer work this summer. You have a lot to be proud of!
Yes, the transition is hard especially when you have two gone at the same time and no other kids at home. This, as others have suggested, is the time to reinvent your life. Your kids will be gone to college and your life will look much different. What do you want for you? If money is not an issue, then what about a full time volunteer position you feel passionately about? Or a return to college or graduate school? Get yourself and DH back into a healthful eating and exercise routine together. Or do as my one friend did and go out and get a part time job as a nanny. (She adores it!)
Basically, start shifting your thought from your kids to yourself and DH. Trust me - you are going to love it once September 2016 gets here! Their senior year is chock full of so much drama and stress that when my last went off to college I was happy for the first time in a year.
Yes, the transition is hard especially when you have two gone at the same time and no other kids at home. This, as others have suggested, is the time to reinvent your life. Your kids will be gone to college and your life will look much different. What do you want for you? If money is not an issue, then what about a full time volunteer position you feel passionately about? Or a return to college or graduate school? Get yourself and DH back into a healthful eating and exercise routine together. Or do as my one friend did and go out and get a part time job as a nanny. (She adores it!)
Basically, start shifting your thought from your kids to yourself and DH. Trust me - you are going to love it once September 2016 gets here! Their senior year is chock full of so much drama and stress that when my last went off to college I was happy for the first time in a year.
Anonymous
06/20/2015 11:48
Subject: I am getting the first pangs of "Empty Nest"
OMG ... They are home all the time in college. All summer, winter break, thanksgiving , spring break .. Break up the 8 months they are gone.
Then they move back home for at least a year
Then they move back home for at least a year
Anonymous
06/20/2015 11:24
Subject: I am getting the first pangs of "Empty Nest"
First twinges start with the drivers license. Never home. But you are still on duty. Many nights with DH and I looking at each other. Waiting for them to check in.
Anonymous
06/20/2015 11:18
Subject: I am getting the first pangs of "Empty Nest"
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Find a hobby. Call friends for lunch and dinner plans. Find part-time work. Take weekend trips with your husband. It's time to get a life back.
No offense but she sounds like she had a wonderful life. She doesn't need to get a life back. She raised twins on her own. No Nanny or Daycare to help her. THAT is a job and a rewarding one at that. And it sounds like she loved it so much. How many people feel so empowered and good about their job of 18yrs that they don't want to lose it? And it doesn't pay a dime!! So while I agree with all of your ideas, your last comment is just a pointless zinger that doesn't need to be said.
Totally agree with every word.
Anonymous
06/20/2015 03:45
Subject: I am getting the first pangs of "Empty Nest"
I missed my twins so much when they went to college, but then I realized they're still home five months of the year. It's tough, but it will get better! (((hugs)))
Anonymous
06/20/2015 02:01
Subject: I am getting the first pangs of "Empty Nest"
Anonymous wrote:Find a hobby. Call friends for lunch and dinner plans. Find part-time work. Take weekend trips with your husband. It's time to get a life back.
No offense but she sounds like she had a wonderful life. She doesn't need to get a life back. She raised twins on her own. No Nanny or Daycare to help her. THAT is a job and a rewarding one at that. And it sounds like she loved it so much. How many people feel so empowered and good about their job of 18yrs that they don't want to lose it? And it doesn't pay a dime!! So while I agree with all of your ideas, your last comment is just a pointless zinger that doesn't need to be said.
Anonymous
06/19/2015 20:47
Subject: I am getting the first pangs of "Empty Nest"
Easier said than done.Anonymous wrote:Time for a job!
Anonymous
06/19/2015 17:52
Subject: I am getting the first pangs of "Empty Nest"
Time for a job!
Anonymous
06/19/2015 17:13
Subject: I am getting the first pangs of "Empty Nest"
Anonymous wrote:My friend's parents embraced this whole hog. Sold their house, most of their stuff and bought a huge RV. Now they travel around the country and on holidays the kids come to them, wherever they are.
Why empty nest when you can travel!
DH is only 56! We certainly are not ready to retire!
Anonymous
06/19/2015 17:08
Subject: I am getting the first pangs of "Empty Nest"
My friend's parents embraced this whole hog. Sold their house, most of their stuff and bought a huge RV. Now they travel around the country and on holidays the kids come to them, wherever they are.
Why empty nest when you can travel!
Why empty nest when you can travel!