How to Adjust to Your Empty Nest

Some days you couldn't ever imagine living without the pitter patter of wee feet. Other days you thought the day would never come when they would move on. Well, now the day is upon you. Graduation looms, as does college and their new life away from the nest. But the real question is this: Are you prepared for life after kids? Here are some ideas for coping with your newly empty nest.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Breathe in. This is the part where they fly on their own for the first time. You can't hold their hand, and you can't live their life for them. Gone are the days of child locks and car seats. Here are the days of silent hallways, empty laundry baskets, and having a lot of time for yourself. Breathe out.

2. Get a journal. You're going to need someone to talk to on a regular basis. Write down your thoughts, whether related to your offspring or not. Journaling could also help to prevent you from talking to yourself. Out loud. In public.

3. Get a hobby. So what, you never had time for hobbies? Now you do! Pick anything that tickles your fancy, whether it be cake decorating, woodworking or even underwater basket weaving. Distraction is key.

4. Get a job. (Unless you already have one). If you've been a stay-at-home parent, you may have forgotten what it's like to be in contact with other humans. Having somewhere to go, a sense of purpose and responsibilities will help you with the child withdrawal symptoms. Once you are around other mothers, you'll start to remember why it is that you couldn't wait for your own to grow up.

5. Get reacquainted with your other half. Or go get a half, if you've been a single parent during the whole growing up phase. It's time to reconnect with yourself as something more than just a parent and caretaker. This is also the time when you don't have to lock the bedroom doors anymore and you no longer have to be quiet! Carry on!

6. Get out of the house. Now is the time for concerts, for museum visits, for shopping. You are no longer constrained by car seats and diaper bags. You are free to move about. Do it!

Tips & Warnings

• This is the time that you've been waiting for. Don't spend it wallowing in self pity!
• You won't be lonely for long. They always come back. Usually, with dirty laundry.

Resources

• Monster.com
• Ticketmaster

[Miragi]

on 10/15/2009 @deb I wrote this after I realized that I was in the middle of the Crash Course. After daughter left, it was like "HEY"......now what? :) However, I might still be in the denial stages....so it could take me 10 yrs as well!! :) Slow is good! XO

[debinflorida]

on 10/14/2009 Very cool article. I'm adjusting quite well, but it took me 10 years.

[jrofosho1]

on 7/26/2009 Great tip just happy not to be there yet 5*

[tnpos]

on 7/21/2009 Life after kids is about recondtioning the mind and the body. It takes time to find new things to fit in your. You give great advice! 5 and rec! P.E.A.C.E

[Miragi]

on 6/2/2009 I'm still waiting for the shock to wear off.....and my son's been at college for a year now. :) Thank goodness he comes home for summer break! Congrats on your son's marriage. Hope the wedding goes smoothly! Remember, just breathe! XO