Transition to a Fulfilling Future Tips for Thriving Empty Nesters
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As parents, we want to see our children move into adulthood and enjoy fulfilling lives. While this stage in life can bring joy, it can also be challenging for couples to acclimate to the absence of their children. Here are three tips to help you make this transition a time of reconnection for you and your spouse. Revisit past magic. Do you remember your first date night with your significant other all those years ago? How about that walk in the park that felt perfect? Now that you have more time to spend together, you have every reason to create new moments like those or reminisce about everything that made you fall in love. You are parents and a couple, and focusing more on the latter will help you both adjust to being new empty nesters. Saying ‘no’ is perfectly okay. Your love for your child doesn’t dissipate when they move away, but their departure should mark a new evolution in your relationship with them. Just as you’re no longer expected to be there for them 24/7, they should be expected to take on more responsibilities away from home. Setting healthy and respectful boundaries with your adult children, such as not calling you for assistance with every minor life matter, helps you and your spouse focus more time and energy on strengthening your connection. Not every day will be easy. Whether your nest has become empty due to a college sojourn or a more permanent scenario, it’s natural for your children’s absence to weigh on you. Hands-on parents are especially prone to feelings of anxiety, as they’re no longer directly involved in their child’s daily decision-making and overall well-being. Additionally, some parents may feel guilty or experience a lowered sense of self-worth after losing their structured parenting roles. Of course, they ma y simply miss their children to the point of feeling lonely. If your newly empty nest has prompted these emotions, seek support from your spouse, siblings, and dear friends. Additionally, you can find opportunities for connections through online support groups of fellow empty nesters experiencing similar feelings.
Rustic French Pistachio Cake
INGREDIENTS
• 2 cups heavy cream, cold • 1 1/2 cups (minus 1 tbsp) all-purpose flour • 2 tsp baking powder • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt • 3 large eggs • 1 1/4 cups sugar
• 1 tbsp vanilla paste • 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, finely chopped, plus extra for topping • Powdered sugar for dusting
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 F, then butter and flour a 9-inch springform pan. 2. Whip cold cream until it forms firm peaks, then refrigerate. 3. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt, then set aside. 4. Beat eggs, sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy. 5. Fold pistachios and flour mixture into egg mixture. 6. Gently fold cream into the batter until no streaks remain. Spread batter evenly in prepared pan. 7. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until puffed and golden on top. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes, then remove from pan. 8. Dust with powdered sugar and top with pistachios. Serve warm or at room temperature!
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