5 Things to Do Now That You Are an Empty Nester

Moving out and becoming an empty nester is an adjustment for everyone and it takes time to adjust so be gentle to all involved, especially yourself.

5 Things to Do Now That You Are an Empty Nester

Embrace It

You have done an amazing job and now your offspring have flown the coop. That is what they are supposed to do and now it is your time.

What things can you do to have fun, stay in bed, eat late, read a book, have a whole cup of hot tea/coffee, go for a long walk or short, do something that you have not had time to do.

Look at Your Values

What makes your heart sing?

What are the things that are really important to you?

These may be questions that you have not asked yourself for a very long time. Think about what you hold dear and what your values are.

What do you really want?

Exercise:

Try this.

Sit in a quiet place where you will be undisturbed with a piece of paper and a pen.

Now put a 5 minute timer on your phone.

What do you really want?

Can you write these things down, if not that is ok!

Just spend 5 minutes on what you would really like to do

Next week
Next month
In 1 year
In 5 years.

If the ideas flood out, you might want to give yourself more time.

If they don’t try to just sit for the 5 minutes, then wait a few days and repeat the exercise. If I could wave a magic wand, what would you like your next 5 / 10 / 20 etc years to look like?

Dare to dream.

If we do not dream, then we cannot make it a reality.

Start With Where You Are

You are where you are and be kind to yourself.

It is normal to grieve for your children when they leave. Most children are off on an adventure and don’t give a second thought to those left behind. Youth, enthusiasm and exciting times, let them enjoy it. You are allowed to feel lost, left behind and empty.

This stage will pass but don’t rush it, let it unfold as time allows. However, if it is something more, then seeking professional help such as a coach or therapist may be needed.

Tip:

Write down 3 things that you are grateful for, when you get up each day.

Keep in Touch

In our modern world, we have so many ways to keep in touch. You don’t have to do this in a clingy way just let them know you care and are thinking of them.

Send a funny meme that you both will enjoy
Schedule a virtual walk – where you are both walking in your own areas and talking on the phone as you go
Comment on their social media posts (occasionally)
Invite them to wider family events – give them plenty of advanced notice
Plan a family holiday
Invite them to come back to yours from time to time and ASK to go see them if practical. (Remember they will probably think of yours as your place or their parent’s place rather than home now.)