Empty Nesters Can Have Mixed Feelings About Their Situation

By Robert King


A parent's main goal is to raise their children to one day leave home and become responsible, productive citizens. They go through many things, some right and some wrong, to achieve that goal. But, ultimately, when that happens, many parents dread the time. They do not relish becoming empty nesters. This just means their home is empty of children. Though is should be a happy time, it is not always that way.

Parents should be able to be proud of their children at this tie, instead of facing an emptiness and feelings of grief. These children are beginning their own life, using the skills their parents have imparted to them. This should be a time for pride in the skills these children have. They can anticipate a successful life for the children in which they can be proud.

These feelings of sadness are quite normal, and should be faced instead of denied. Though you experience happiness for your child, you may still feel some sadness. Admit that and seek professional if the feelings seem overwhelming and hard to handle.

Try to think back to things that you enjoyed before you ever had the first child. Many of these things have not been available to you since having children. You are free to now go back and do those things. If no longer enjoy them, find something else you do enjoy.

You can not pursue new things that are fun for you, and maybe a little on the dangerous side. It may be you always wanted to skydive or zip line. Now you can. You can start a new hobby. You are no longer responsible for a small child, so can do those things. Seek them out and do them with not guilt.

Now is the perfect time to get busy on your career, doing things you could not do when you had kids. You can travel, or got to school, or whatever it takes to make you career a priority. You can even start a new career if you desire to do so. You have less family responsibility and can now focus on a new career.

Now is a great time to travel, either across country or internationally. You can even buy an RV and travel across the country, with no time restraints or career obligations if you are retired. Be sure to take identification of your age and retirement status. Many places offer special discounts and programs for those who are older and retired. You have no limits to what you can do now.

Downsizing is very possible now, and may well be something you want. You can either downsize to something cheaper, or something smaller and more luxurious. Move to the beach, or to the mountains, anything is possible. You don't have to worry about what is best for your children, or about the best schools or doctors. You can get by with a smaller house now that you don't have children. You can get a smaller one, maybe one that is much more luxurious.




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