By Cherith Fluker 
After 20 years of having a family of four under one roof, it was quite the adjustment when the kids moved away to college. We had a bit of a trial run when our oldest moved away, but just two short years later, our youngest flew the coop too. This new normal left us feeling all the feels. After drying our tears (let’s keep it between us that my husband shed a few), we realized we now had to learn how to navigate life differently.
Before I go any further, I have to reveal my husband and I were married and had our first child just a few months shy of our college graduation. So, for as long as we can remember, our life together has included at least one other person living in our house.
As parents of active children, we dedicated much of our time as taxi drivers, room parents, volunteers, and the like. We made it our business to be very involved in our children’s lives, so we really had to be intentional about how we lived as a couple after the kids moved away. Here are some things we did to adjust to life after becoming empty-nesters:
Embrace the change. A major part of adjusting to the empty nest is acknowledging and embracing the change. Recognize that this is a new chapter in your life and that it’s okay to feel a mix of emotions, including sadness, excitement, and uncertainty.
Rediscover each other. Take this opportunity to rediscover your relationship as a couple. Spend quality time together, engage in activities you both enjoy, and strengthen your bond as partners. This is an opportunity to nurture your relationship with undivided attention.
Pursue your passions. Now that you have more time on your hands, explore hobbies and interests that you may have put on hold while raising children. Whether it’s traveling, taking up a new hobby, or pursuing further education, use this time to invest in yourself and your personal growth.
Stay connected with your children. While your children may have left the nest, it’s important to maintain open lines of communication and stay connected with them. Schedule regular phone calls, video chats, or visits to stay involved in their lives and offer support as they navigate their own journey.
Reevaluate your goals. With the kids out of the house, it’s a good time to reevaluate your personal and professional goals. Take stock of where you are and where you want to be and make plans to pursue your aspirations with renewed focus and determination.
Seek support. Don’t hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or a counselor if you’re struggling to adjust to the empty nest. Sharing your feelings and experiences with others can provide comfort, validation, and perspective during this transition period.
Adjusting to the empty nest can be challenging, but it’s also an opportunity for growth, rediscovery, and new beginnings. Embrace this chapter of your life with an open heart and a positive mindset.
by Heather McGuire 
by Whitney Fleming 
