Simple Tips to Help Empty Nest Parents Feel Less Lost

After loading up the car and filling up the dorm room, my husband and I became new empty-nesters.

As we struggled to adjust to our new normal, I was suddenly reminded of the classic book “All I Really Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.” It’s been a while since the spine of Robert Fulghum’s book has been cracked, but I remember the lessons being easy to follow. The book takes the lessons we all learned in kindergarten and applies them to adult problems.

I wondered if, instead of reading self-help books or seeking out sage advice, this old book could be a source of guidance. It turns out that the simple concepts have helped my husband and I navigate our empty nest.

By focusing on three simple tips—watch, nap, and live a balanced life—we were able to transition into the next chapter of our lives.

Look around and seize new opportunities

As many parents can relate, raising kids is like being a master planner. Juggling school, sports, and general chores can make the family calendar more chaotic than optimizing Lightning Lane at a Disney park. Work overload isn’t an anomaly, it’s a reality. Our busy days have created a narrow path that we’ve imposed on ourselves.

But now, with a free schedule, my perspective and willingness to accept opportunities has broadened. Whether it’s saying “yes” to that extra beer at happy hour, knowing there’s no swim meet at dawn, or saying yes to that unbeatable last-minute travel deal, the cliché that “the world is our oyster” has merit.

But I can still say no. The difference is that I now have a choice. That narrow vision, which had never wavered for so many years, has been lifted and a new perspective is on the horizon.

Take advantage of the recharge that a nap gives you

To be clear, napping doesn’t necessarily mean curling up on the couch for two hours. It’s about allowing yourself to take a break, get away from the noise, and sit with yourself. The whole point of napping in kindergarten was to recharge and rejuvenate.

Now that I finally have time to rest, I’m finally relaxing.

As parents, we’ve lived too many days, months, and even years of life in constant motion. Learning to appreciate the concept of stopping or stepping away takes time. It doesn’t have to be that dream vacation where cell service is unavailable. That quiet, rainy afternoon spent watching Hallmark movies works, too.

Allowing yourself to take a moment is essential and it has helped me accept my new empty nest.

Live a balanced life where your child is no longer the priority

Let’s be clear: My husband and I have never regretted any of the choices we’ve made over the years, putting our son first. Seeing him receive his acceptance to West Point is far more meaningful than sitting on a beach in Mexico.

But now the balance lies in the bonds that unite us. It is perfectly permissible for us to choose to spend this long weekend at a golf resort rather than going to a football game.

A friend reminded me that parents give their children roots and wings. No matter where we are in the world, our family is forever connected by our shared roots. This foundation allows us to spread our wings and soar toward our goals and dreams.

For us as a couple, the house may be quieter and the fridge less stocked, but our time together has entered a new chapter. As we head back to school, the nest may be empty, but we are relishing the many opportunities that lie ahead.