A parent's job is to teach their children not to need them anymore. The hardest part of that job is accepting success.
a wise parent
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This was the week that I have been waiting for. I have known about it and have been expecting it for a long time. I knew it was inevitable and I have been trying to imagine what it would be like. I have an empty nest… I head up to my room at 9:15 p.m. and climb into bed bringing along my phone, my computer and a book; I plan on being productive. For the first time in twenty one years I can do whatever I want, when I want, and apparently that means jumping into bed early with only my dog to keep me company. My first night as an empty nester. My children are grown and gone.
It is quiet and peaceful
I can hear the dog breathing and the silence of the night outside. I do not have to worry about when my daughter or son will be coming home or if they took out the trash or put away the dishes. Both my son and daughter have left for college. I will miss them along with all the interactions, discussions, arguments, frustrations and joy that motherhood has brought over the years. As parents we have a lot to do – a crazy amount of endless care taking, guiding, teaching, providing for, supporting, supervising, scolding, laughing, cooking, cleaning and driving. I would not have given up all of that responsibility for anything in the world. The fulfillment, joy and unconditional love that parenting affords is so worth it, but flies by very quickly.
Parenting is not always perfect
Parenting is an undertaking that many of my friends without children could never imagine. They are not even a little bit tempted. And who can blame them? It is a long road with many ups and downs. After all is said and done I feel like I have given all I could to these two beautiful innocent souls from the beginning of their precious lives. I have tried to fill them with all the love, knowledge, insight, humor, curiosity, sense of adventure and joy of living that I possess while taking their hands and guiding them through this complicated world in which we live. Of course they sometimes did not listen and could be defiant, argumentative, unappreciative and spoiled know it alls who would curse, lie (only white lies of course), omit and sneak, on occasion, which would make you want to give them up to the highest bidder. And that is part of parenting.
What is empty nest syndrome?
When it is time for your children to leave the roost many parents are not ready, not prepared and not handling it very well. This turns out to be quite common and has a name: Empty Nest Syndrome.
6 Empty Nester benefits
- No more worried nights waiting up for kids
- Can invite your weird friends over
- Both time spent in the kitchen and grocery bill cut in half
- Travel is much easier and cheaper
- House stays clean
- Sleep is solid and peaceful
- Can indulge: relax, shop, spa, exercise, party, drink, date.
- Repeat!
As parents we try our best to make sure our children know they are loved and protected. When it is time for them to leave the nest we hope they can be happy, well adjusted, productive humans. I tried to be an example for my kids and now I look at the future through their eyes. I have passed the torch to them and it is their turn to live life to the fullest. The future is full of hope and opportunity, excitement and adventure. I hope they get it, enjoy it, go for it! We have one life and no time to waste. As my mother taught me, we need to love and respect others, treat people like you want to be treated and do what makes you happy and then repeat!
So get ready to embrace your newfound freedom and explore all the exciting possibilities that come with being an empty nester! The transition to this new stage in life can be challenging, but it is also an incredible opportunity to rediscover yourself and your passions. With more time to focus on your interests, hobbies and travel :-), the world is truly your oyster. Let this blog be your guide to living your best life as we search for more of what makes us happy and alive!