Empty Nester: What to Do When the Kids Leave Home
Whether you're punching the air in excitement or missing them already, it's time to turn the page and embrace the next chapter
It might seem like yesterday that you were changing nappies and seeing your kids off on their first day of school, but now you can pat yourself on the back for a job well done and start to focus on you again. These ideas will transform your house from an empty nest into a vibrant home that is so fun and fulfilling your kids will love coming home to visit.
Enjoy the peace and quiet
From the terrible twos to the tumultuous teen years, your house has probably been filled as much with tears and tantrums as it has with love and laughter. Take some time out just for you and revel in the silence to reflect, read and recharge.
From the terrible twos to the tumultuous teen years, your house has probably been filled as much with tears and tantrums as it has with love and laughter. Take some time out just for you and revel in the silence to reflect, read and recharge.
Write a bucket list
Sit down and think about all things you’d still love to do but haven’t and write them down. Would you regret not mustering up the courage to go skydiving? Do you dream of cycling your way through the French countryside or going on a cruise to exotic lands? What about that novel that’s waiting to be written. Write the list and set about ticking off each item – there’s no better time to do it than right now.
Sit down and think about all things you’d still love to do but haven’t and write them down. Would you regret not mustering up the courage to go skydiving? Do you dream of cycling your way through the French countryside or going on a cruise to exotic lands? What about that novel that’s waiting to be written. Write the list and set about ticking off each item – there’s no better time to do it than right now.
Blow their inheritance
Well, some of it, anyway. You’ve worked hard for your family over the years and now it’s time to reward yourself. The only challenge is deciding what to do first – renovate the bathroom into a spa-like oasis (like this one) or pack your bags and travel the world. Whatever you choose to do, know that your kids value your happiness more than they do money, even if they don’t always show it.
Step inside this bathroom
Well, some of it, anyway. You’ve worked hard for your family over the years and now it’s time to reward yourself. The only challenge is deciding what to do first – renovate the bathroom into a spa-like oasis (like this one) or pack your bags and travel the world. Whatever you choose to do, know that your kids value your happiness more than they do money, even if they don’t always show it.
Step inside this bathroom
Cull and corral their gear
If your kids assume nothing will have changed the next time they come home to visit, they might be in for a surprise. If encouraging them to get rid of all the things they’ve left behind is not really working, insist they keep only what they truly want and condense it into one small area of the house or storage area.
If your kids assume nothing will have changed the next time they come home to visit, they might be in for a surprise. If encouraging them to get rid of all the things they’ve left behind is not really working, insist they keep only what they truly want and condense it into one small area of the house or storage area.
Go out on the town
With the kids off and getting on with their adult lives, it’s time for you to do the same. Dress up and make the most of what’s on where you live. Whether you love going to the opera, want to rock it out at a concert, or like the idea of an intimate dinner in a live jazz venue, grab a friend or your partner and have a little fun.
With the kids off and getting on with their adult lives, it’s time for you to do the same. Dress up and make the most of what’s on where you live. Whether you love going to the opera, want to rock it out at a concert, or like the idea of an intimate dinner in a live jazz venue, grab a friend or your partner and have a little fun.
Recharge relationships
Now that the kids have flown the coop, you finally have the time and space you need to focus more fully on the other relationships in your life. Take the time to reconnect with your partner again or, if you’re on your own, entertain the idea of a new love – you never know who might be about to walk into your life.
Now that the kids have flown the coop, you finally have the time and space you need to focus more fully on the other relationships in your life. Take the time to reconnect with your partner again or, if you’re on your own, entertain the idea of a new love – you never know who might be about to walk into your life.
Enjoy the finer things in life
Kids are expensive, there’s no denying it, but now you can afford to splash out a little on the things you love. Whether it’s fine wine and cheese, massages and manicures, or that painting you keep passing in a gallery window, give yourself permission to indulge. Life is meant to be enjoyed, after all.
Kids are expensive, there’s no denying it, but now you can afford to splash out a little on the things you love. Whether it’s fine wine and cheese, massages and manicures, or that painting you keep passing in a gallery window, give yourself permission to indulge. Life is meant to be enjoyed, after all.
Reignite your passions
If you’ve dreamed of becoming an artist but could never quite find the time to paint, now’s your chance. Many of the most respected creative masters didn’t find fame until later in life, and there’s no reason it can’t be the same for you.
If you’ve dreamed of becoming an artist but could never quite find the time to paint, now’s your chance. Many of the most respected creative masters didn’t find fame until later in life, and there’s no reason it can’t be the same for you.
Make your children feel welcome
Letting your kids know the door is always open for them to come home may seem obvious, but do it anyway. It’s always nice to hear that your mum or dad is there for you during tough times, or even just when they’re in need of a home-cooked meal and a hug.
Letting your kids know the door is always open for them to come home may seem obvious, but do it anyway. It’s always nice to hear that your mum or dad is there for you during tough times, or even just when they’re in need of a home-cooked meal and a hug.
Get ready to be a grandparent!
Your days of parenting young children may be over, but your days as an important teacher and companion in a child’s life are probably not. Think about what kind of grandparent you want to be, then turn your home into a place any grandchild would love to come to spend time with you.
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Your days of parenting young children may be over, but your days as an important teacher and companion in a child’s life are probably not. Think about what kind of grandparent you want to be, then turn your home into a place any grandchild would love to come to spend time with you.
MORE
How to Update an Old Chest of Drawers
Transform Your Guest Room Into a Relaxing Retreat
Hobby-Nurturing Spaces for Enthusiasts of All Kinds
Taking down the posters and packing up the belongings your grown-up child has left behind might make you feel a little sad at first, but get into the fun of redecorating and you might soon forget you ever had kids! Scour garage sales and antique shops for unique finds you can revamp with a lick of paint, and take your time creating a welcoming space not just for visiting family members, but also faraway friends you may not have seen for a while – inviting them to come and stay is a great way to reconnect.
Here are some indulgent ways to redesign the spare room