Preparing for Empty Nesting
BY JULIANNA STEEN
of laundry you no longer need to do. None- theless, you should enter this new season with excitement and anticipation. Here are some practical tips for how to prepare for empty nesting and ways to enjoy the new freedoms found in this season. FIND A PURPOSE Let’s not sugarcoat it: No matter how inde- pendent your child was before leaving for college, you did a lot for them, which means you’re about to have a whole lot more time on your hands. Nature Medicine ’s 2023 study suggests that there are physical and emotional benefits to having a hobby. Those with hobbies showed fewer symptoms of depression and a higher life satisfaction than those without. And if by “hobby” you hear, “find a new project,” like fixing up the back patio like you’ve always wanted but never made the time for... I won’t dissuade you.
Start by taking five minutes to jot down activities that bring you joy or skills you wish you had. Next, research items on that list and see if a local studio or nearby shop has the necessary supplies and/or offers how-to classes. If you chose to stay at home when your kids were in school, consider getting a part-time job doing something you enjoy to add to your schedule as well. Not only will it fill your time and provide structure to your week, it can also be a fun way to meet new people and try something different. If you have aging parents, you may discover that this newfound time and flexibility enables you to devote more time to them as well. PLAN A VACATION This might be our favorite suggestion, because who doesn’t love a good vacay?! Now that you’re not tied down to a school schedule (for the first time in, ahem, 12-
You’ve done your part: You’ve wiped the dirty diapers, listened to the middle school drama, held your baby’s hair as they threw up yet again from the stomach bug. You’ve poured your blood, sweat, tears, and oh so much money into your little baby, cheering them on at all their extracurriculars and helping them to grow into a person you’re proud to post about on Facebook. (Although you like to remind them you’re proud no matter their achievements.) But now that fateful, wonderful, feared day has come and gone: high school graduation. As you assist in packing your kid for college, you may begin to wonder what life after kids in the house is like. Yes, college is exciting for them, but leaving you in that quiet, empty house doesn’t sound so exciting for you. But empty nesting shouldn’t be something to dread! Yes, you will miss having a loud, full house, and you might even miss the 17 pairs of shoes left by the door and the extra loads
30 JUNE2025 | BRPARENTS.COM
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