Getting Ready For the Empty Nest
You have children, raise them to be good human beings and before you know it, they’re grown up! They say we only get 18 summers with our children and while we’re in it, we take it for granted. It isn’t until they’re all grown up that we realize how precious time is with our children.
An empty nest isn’t something easy to handle. It can be sad, worrisome and depressing, knowing you’ve done your duty as a parent, and now it’s time for your children to go off into to the world on their own. To make the transition easier, here are some tips on getting ready for the empty nest even if you’re years away:
1. Work on the relationship with your significant other/partner
An empty nest means just the two of you now, so don’t forget about your relationship. If you do, you’ll find yourselves like strangers with the kids gone and will feel as if you don’t really know each other anymore. To prevent this from happening, continuously work on your relationship with your partner.
Talk about what will happen when your children leave so that you prepare yourselves and your relationship for when it does happen. Get to know your partner again so that you can relish the time alone when your home becomes an empty nest.
2. Relish each stage with your children
An empty nest will happen whether you like it or not. To make things easier when the time comes, relish each stage of your child’s life as you live it – no matter how difficult it can be at that time. Tell yourself that you’ll miss it later and fight through it and try to enjoy it as much as possible. Stay present in the moments and wrap yourself in your child’s life. This way, when it’s time to let go, it’s easier on you.
3. Discover things that make you happy
Now that you’ll be able to focus on you again, find things that make you happy. Go out and do things that you’ve always wanted to do but never found the time when raising your kids. Take up a new hobby to pass the time and do thing that make you smile and bring you joy.
And with a shortage of lifeguards over summer, empty nesters are now filling the void. Of course, it’s not for everyone and each lifeguard must undergo a rigorous test. You will stay fit, make some extra cash and fill the empty nest.
Pick up a magazine subscription that will serve to fulfill your hobbies or help you find new interests you didn’t know you had. Travel magazines like Afar Magazine are popular as they showcase a variety of age-suited vacation destinations, and what to expect.
1 Comment(s)
While I do not have a family of my own, I am the youngest who just recently went off to college so I can see how my parents would be in the empty nest stage now. I'd like to think they were able to adjust easily though. They found their hobbies and have a lot of activities going on for themselves at home, perhaps they prepared well or they just knew they had it coming. Great tips though for those who are transitioning to that stage.
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