Empty nest

Empty Nest: Wasn’t this the goal?
When children are young, we teach them to tie their own shoes, fix their own sandwiches, and eventually how to drive and do their own laundry. Parents spend time teaching their children in hopes they will be independent, productive young adults. And wasn’t this the goal? However, some parents have conflicting feelings when the kids begin to venture out on their own.

Mom’s feelings may include a sense of uselessness. She finds herself searching for what to do with the extra time that had been spent on chauffeuring, attending school functions, hosting slumber parties, and so on. Both parents may wrestle with feelings over loss of authority. Additionally, spouses might find they have little to talk about since their children have been the focus of conversations for so many years. But this is the point in time we raised them toward.

Empty Nest: How do we fill the void?
If parents are married, this time can be used to focus on each other. It can be an amazing time to renew the intimacy you once shared and concentrate on your relationship. You may be a single parent or perhaps you need a transition period. Either way, there are many ways to lessen the feelings of loss when the nest is emptied.

Establish date nights with your spouse or spend more time with friends.
Host an exchange student. It can be very gratifying to know you are helping a young person into a new experience.
Become involved in your church youth group or a volunteer position in your community. Youth are wonderful beings, full of life, energy, and most are willing to share it with adults who take an interest in them.
This is a great time to get more involved in your church. Many churches have groups of empty nesters just like you who get together for outings, sharing commonalities, and hobby groups.
Travel or renew hobbies.