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Quick Guide to Empty-Nest Parenting

February 13, 2020 By Christine Field

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When the children are growing up and come to leave the home, it is something that should feel like a massive achievement, and a proud moment. After all, although parenting is never done, you have raised them up to be adults, and that part of parenting is over. But for many people, it can leave them with a feeling of sadness, loneliness, and even grief. This is often referred to as ‘empty nest syndrome’ and it can be a real challenge as your life does change and there is a new perspective and new priorities. If your children have grown and flown, and you’re not sure whether you are coming or going, then here are some ideas to help you to transition, or to prepare if you’re not quite there yet. 

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Structure

 

Having some structure in your life can be a massive help, but especially when you are feeling a little sad or lonely. If you are retired when the children leave, then you will definitely need to find some structure in your life. This could be through work, hobbies, friends, or just establishing a daily routine for yourself.

 

You should also think about the structure of the relationship and contact that you will have with your children. Although having a set time and date to talk can work for some, it won’t for others. Instead, articles like this one https://goodhousekeeping.com/empty-nest-advice/, talk about establishing a routine of contact before your children leave. Could you decide that you’ll talk every weekend, no matter what, but if you need each other beforehand, then you can just call? It will be different for everyone, but talk with your children about it all, and then you can go from there.

 

Parenting doesn’t stop

 

Even when children have left the home, being a parent doesn’t stop. The only thing that can be harder is that your children may feel like they can deal with a lot of things on their own, rather than coming to you. So asking the right questions can help you to get the answers that you need. Being non-judgemental is important, so that they feel they can ask for help and advice as they navigate the adult world. If they need help with something like a DUI, then you could help them by looking up lawyers like www.leyba-defense.com, for example. You are still their parent, and being as involved as you can will make a difference.

 

Connect with others

 

If you have a partner then you can go through this empty nest journey together. But even so, meeting other people can be a big help. You will have gone to baby classes when the children were little and met other parents, so why not do something similar, but for parents with grown children? Go to classes or events, and be social and make friends. You may all just end up talking about your children, but it will add another element of fun and joy in your life.

Filed Under: Adult children, Empty nest Tagged With: empty nest, empty nest parenting

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Hi, I’m Christine

Have you been a wholehearted mother, but time, toddlers and teenagers have moved on? If you are wondering what comes next for you, you’ll feel right at home here.

Or, are you a mom for whom family life has been non-Pinworthy and parenting has been downright painful? I hear ya. There are many of us around.

Are you looking for a life full of exploration and adventure after the nest empties, but maybe you have no idea how to go about doing that? Stick around! We’ll explore adventures together to help you gain more clarity for your own path.

After a couple decades of writing books and articles about parenting, homeschooling and adoption, speaking to homeschoolers and other parent groups, and reaching out to the mom in the trenches who was trying to make the best of it - my kids grew up. Some grew up and grew away. I was determined to find a way out of the pain, emptiness and lack of direction.

For many of us, the journey starts with something we moms are not accustomed to. After years of caring for and serving others, sometimes we forget the beauty and wonder of US. We need to spend some time getting to know the parts of ourselves that have lain dormant, and take the time to explore interests and passions that we set aside.

I’d like to invite you to get the “What’s Next for Mom” workbook and jump into this growing tribe of Moms who are emptying the nest and filling the life! Let’s reignite your Mojo after Mothering!
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About Christine

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At Real Mom Life, my passion is to provide resources and reassurances for moms facing the surprising challenges of family life. In my writing and speaking, I explore solutions to unexpected issues in adoption, homeschooling, special needs, and more while encouraging moms to extract the maximum joy out of each day. Read More…

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