Hey Empty Nest Mom’s,
Recently I decided to stop thinking of myself as an “empty nest” parent, as if I was lacking something and I started calling myself a parent of “free range adults”.
My chicks are cage-free. They are roaming the farm of life and fending for themselves. Cage-free is healthier, right?
Now that your chicks are out there roaming free, you may find yourself plagued by fear. This can lead to feeling drained after everyday activities. It’s basically been our job to worry and keep them safe, right? A mother’s job is to teach her chicks not to need her anymore. Why is it so hard to accept our success?
Acknowledge your feelings and talk to your spouse or chicks about how you are feeling. It may be helpful to establish some routine check-ins with your child once or twice a week to help manage your anxiety. It can be as simple as a quick text or snap chat just to communicate that everything is fine. Keep in mind that in reality, if it’s not fine, you will be the first one they call for help.
You may long for the days when your kids still depended on you. Give yourself some grace. You were the President in charge of all things and now you are an observer only called on when the new President (your chick) asks for advice.(or money). As Erma Bombeck puts it, “It’s like being the vice president of the United States.” This change of command may take some getting used to.
You may feel as though you've lost your purpose. You might find yourself less satisfied with your life as a whole. Remember that you have just successfully launched your chick to roam free. You have accomplished your goal.
This is not the be all end all goal in life for you. I believe that every woman has a divine purpose beyond motherhood. Now is a great time to reassess your dreams and goals. You might feel as though you don't have opportunities to connect with others and you may find that trying new things will give you that opportunity back.
Take a few minutes and jot down some of the things that used to be on your bucket list. You have the opportunity now to try new things. You are now a free-range parent no longer bound by the cage of your chicks schedule.
Most parents of “free-range” adults, aka empty nesters’ experience some of these feelings mildly. As an inspiration and purpose coach, I help Christian Mid-life Mom’s reignite their God-given purpose to see beyond their empty nest and experience life passionately, fulfilling their dreams.
To schedule a FREE 1 on 1 strategy session with me click this link or respond to this email.
In the event that you have identified with these symptoms and currently find life a bit overwhelming, you could be suffering from Empty Nest Syndrome. If you find that symptoms are interfering with your daily activities you may want to consider talking to you doctor.