Empty Nest Support Services
Story of the Month
Why Now?
07/15/2010
I am an empty nest mother. I was doing fine with my children being out of the house. I don't know what triggered this loneliness and sadness. One is married, the other is a sophomore in college, and one more... Read More
Dad Talks About Empty Nest
06/17/2010
Hi there, I visit the message board. Where are the DAD's? We need each other. My kids have changed me over the years and now that they will all be gone this summer, I feel sad, angry, and not sure... Read More
Empty Nester Stepping No Where
06/07/2010
I am circling rather than stepping into my new free time. Like an airplane not permitted to land, I am hoping to not run out of fuel before I get down to my new life. I prepared for this time... Read More
Empty Nester Mom Who Can't Start Over
04/20/2010
Hi everyone, I miss my three kids. I get started with a class or book group but that doesn't do it for me. I like mothering. Do you think it is crazy to be a Foster Parent? My family thinks... Read More
Empty Nester Asks, "How Do I Become Different?"
03/16/2010
I am Katherine, a mom, empty nester, and woman of the age of being a boomer. I partner and work. I have been looking at how to change myself. Parts of me I admire and parts just need to leave.... Read More
I don't like the words BABY BOOMER or EMPTY NESTER
02/24/2010
Who makes up these words that age us? Can you imagine Meryl Streep ever being called a BABY BOOMER? She probably is an empty nester but doesn't get that label either. It is hard enough to love ourselves for the... Read More
I Didn't Expect This in My Empty Nest
02/03/2010
I feel lousy. I rarely see my children. I can't afford to fly there nor can they fly back home.The dread is they don't really think about getting together as much as we do. I feel guilty about needing to... Read More
Truth In The Empty Nest
01/05/2010
So I get out of bed, work, feel productive and finish my to do list. I present great ideas at our conference meeting and laugh with colleagues. I drive home, click on the music and chop the tomatoes for dinner... Read More
Empty Nester Is Moving On
12/05/2009
Hi everyone, I am new to this online community. I feel safe already .I regret I didn't do more for myself when raising my family. I was the good wife, pleaser, loyal friend and daughter. I care take well and... Read More
I Thought I Was Ready For Empty Nest
11/02/2009
Hello, I am single, love my career, but mostly love my children. They are on their way to being grownups. All are in college. It is great. I knew the day would come and got previews of emptiness when they... Read More
Empty Nester Who Never Read The Future
10/14/2009
Hi, I just came back from Family Weekend at my son's college. It was like old and new times but I didn't realize until I got back home, that I didn't plan for the future. Sure we plan finances, and... Read More
Empty Nest Now, Mother Forever
09/18/2009
Hi, I am not new at empty nest. My son is a junior in college now. I'm his mother. I think I will just always say, "I'm his mother," but it is starting to sound vacant since no one is... Read More
Empty Nest Syndrome Before It's Time
08/07/2009
Dear Natalie, It's funny ... I've been in such a funk and these past two days it has gotten much worse. I know I'm suffering from empty nest syndrome and I'm feeling lost. I can't seem to make myself do much... Read More
Two Weeks And I Am An Empty Nester
07/27/2009
My sister called to see how I was doing with the countdown and to do list. She has been through it. Wish she lived here. I told her I cry and over react and then have to say sorry, just... Read More
Can I Tell The Truth About Empty Nest?
07/15/2009
Hi everyone, I can tell you, but some people in my life say, just stop it. Get a life. People have it much worse than you. I know all that and I am still anxious. My husband is quiet about... Read More
Why Didn't I Plan For Empty Nest
06/24/2009
Hello, I am a mom of two. Worked, married, but I guess not much of a planner for "someday" I will be an empty nester. I don't feel that badly about not planning, I feel badly that I am so... Read More
Now What Do I Do To Start Over
05/28/2009
Hello empty nesters, I raised three kids, good times and suffering times. I am ready for me time and still I cry for all that has ended. It is normal, I know, but I just can't do this part alone.... Read More
Empty Feeling, Children Are Leaving
05/01/2009
I can't say empty nester, yet. I am so busy with work, caring for my dad, and my daughter choosing today what college to attend. Thank goodness because when I am not busy and exhausted from all the work and... Read More
No Spring Here. I'm an Empty Nester Now
04/06/2009
Hello, I am new to being an empty nester and talking to strangers. I like the talking and connecting here on the website, but I hate the crying. It isn't really me. My son didn't come home for Spring Break.... Read More
Self-Motivated In My Empty Nest
03/02/2009
by Jennifer | Submitted on February 10, 2009 I have read books, articles, websites and gone to classes about get up and go, make the changes, grab a new start, my time now, but I can't keep that motivation going.... Read More
Confusing Time for Empty Nester
12/07/2008
by Casey | submitted on December 7, 2008I thought our children were launched into growing into adulthood when they left for college.I see them forgetful, not helping out when asked to, moody, messy and mean talking at times. They... Read More
Husband and Empty Nest Father
11/23/2008
by Robert | submitted on November 23, 2008I am a husband and empty nest father. My daughter and son are both in college, different colleges. I miss them. I more so miss my wife. I thought we would have... Read More
Empty Nester Asks, "Who Are You"?
11/13/2008
by Cindy | submitted on November 13, 2008"What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls the butterfly." Richard BachNatalie and I laughed with tears about trying to flap our wings like an empty nest monarch,... Read More
Hello to Empty Nesters
10/03/2008
by Marilyn | submitted on October 3, 2008I have mixed feelings about my children that don't live at home. I am further out from that dark send off.One is married, one is in grad school, and the other is... Read More
In A Week
09/08/2008
by Mary Beth | submitted on September 8, 2008In a week, I hug my son goodbye at the dorm. I can barely write that. I just don't want to think about it. Then I thought, well, deal with it.I... Read More
Going Back to the Empty Nest
07/29/2008
by Sally | submitted on July 29, 2008My son is leaving in August for his sophomore year in college. I thought it would be easier this time with the letting go, but I feel sad.We have had wonderful talks... Read More
Are You Kidding Me? Empty Nester Asks
07/08/2008
by Nancy | July 8, 2008Not only is my son leaving in September for college, but I just lost my job.I am a good person. I thought bad things don't happen to really good people. So what are the... Read More
Two Months Until The Empty Nest
06/06/2008
by Carly | submitted on June 6, 2008 My son just graduated high school and we just cried...then danced.My whole family is excited about his going to college. I have been busy with check lists and tears of the things... Read More
You Do Whatever It Takes In The Empty Nest
05/12/2008
by Brenda | submitted on May 12, 2008My children were like my customers. I would work for them until I drop. No, not, a martyr, just a passion. I researched about parenting in every stage, even teen age and... Read More
Suffering in My Empty Nest
02/27/2008
by Anonymous | submitted on February 27, 2008Suffering in my empty nest, is it optional to not suffer?I want to come up with a solution for missing my children. I always come up with solutions.The data is this:Woman in... Read More
My Story
01/10/2008
by Kathleen H. Walters, M.A. | submitted on January 1, 2008Hi - I have a "story" of sorts (the story is not over yet...):Last year, my son went off to college - I cried as we left him outside... Read More
Hey, I Am Doing Better In My Empty Nest
11/25/2007
by Cathy | submitted on November 25, 2007My three children all left after a different kind of Thanksgiving. Different from hearing the words, mommy, daddy, now there are times of little words, sleep-ins until eleven, and sharing everyone with... Read More
Empty Nester Who Didn't Know
10/26/2007
by Brenda | submitted on October 26, 2007I am growing a new relationship with myself. No one told me when I was an adult that I still might struggle, painfully struggle.I thought experiences, college education, money from working, partnering,... Read More
Empty Nester Who Is Embarrassed To Say
09/19/2007
by Kathy | submitted on September 19, 2007My children were my best friends and that sounds terrible these days with women being independent, getting a life outside their children, and letting them be.Well I am writing to tell you, I... Read More
The White Picket Fence Club
08/15/2007
by Ann Krausz | submitted on August 15, 2007I smile to myself when I see women walking in the halls of this college who are my age, or around my age. I smile because we're in sort of a... Read More
Growing Your Relationship with Adult Children
07/17/2007
by Mom on tilt | submitted on July 17, 2007What am I suppose to do now with my kids? I know that sounds ridiculous since I have been parenting them for over twenty one years, but really how do... Read More
Dear Empty Nesters
06/25/2007
by Allison | submitted on June 25, 2007Dear Empty Nesters,When I write to you I feel like we are old time friends. We are. We are parents. Parents who did our best. Parents who laughed at our kids jokes... Read More
Finding Me In My Empty Nest
05/07/2007
by Allison | submitted on May 7, 2007I use to be the preferred one for my children and I miss that feeling. But, what was I thinking...that they would stay attached to me forever...ah maybe...well not attached, just in... Read More
Empty Nester Sharing Joy
03/30/2007
by A Woman Out for a Fun Day | submitted on March 30, 2007I have two kids. Some days I like them and some I want to say "see ya." But I am a blunt woman who is softening... Read More
Empty Nest Family
03/07/2007
by Christine Whelan | submitted on March 7, 2007I really love my children and I love having them around, but I also love the peace and quiet of my empty nest. I feel a little guilty about that but... Read More
Empty Nest Mom Confesses
02/13/2007
by Katie | submitted on February 13, 2007Why did I wait until my kids were gone to confess? My blinders were glued to being a sparkling mom and I was. When I visited this web site, empty nest support... Read More
Parenting in the Empty Nest
12/30/2006
by Amanda | December 30, 2006Mom still sounds like Mom but it is empty without footsteps and big smiles running around the house.I am learning how to parent from a distance and it isn't easy. Sometimes I want to... Read More
Celebrating Hanukah and Christmas in our Family: No Problem
12/12/2006
by Natalie | submitted on December 12, 2006Yes, my mom said, "What is a Christmas tree doing in my grand daughter's house? I didn't raise you this way."My daughter is a senior in college, age 21 and she has... Read More
Relationship Changes from an Empty Nest Mom
11/16/2006
by Allison | submitted on November 16, 2006Yes, my daughter is coming home for the holidays, but we aren't the same. As the college years have moved up, she has lessened her emails and calls with me.I know she... Read More
I Don't Want Any Problems
11/03/2006
by Natalie Caine | submitted on November 3, 2006I know this sounds so insecure and if you knew me, you would be shocked to hear me write these words. First, I am not an insecure woman or mother. I... Read More
Shot Through the Heart ... But Healing!
10/02/2006
by Mary Wills | submitted on October 2, 2006I am the very proud Mother of one wonderful child - my son, Zach. We've been on our own for 12 of his 21 years on the planet. I had not... Read More
Stay Away from the Edge, or How Empty Nest Syndrome Kicked My Butt
09/01/2006
by Joan Gelfand | submitted on September 8, 2006Empty nest? Who me? I'm hip, I'm cool, and I'm busy! I never worried, never anticipated the moment until my first sad 'moment' last year when I took my daughter on... Read More
How Did this Happen So Quickly That Their Beds Are Made
08/01/2006
by Anonymous | submitted on August 1, 2006How did this happen so quickly that their beds are made, the refrigerator has no chocolate milk or Gatorade bottles, and the kitchen sink is empty? I have no lost socks, no... Read More
Who Knew? Single Empty Nester Questions
06/24/2006
by Diane | submitted on June 24, 2006Changes are normal. I know that in my 50's, but come on. I want to stop those flood gates that force me to self initiate having fun. I am a single parent... Read More
My Nest is Empty
06/10/2006
by Patty Merritt | submitted on June 10, 2006I have been a single mother for most of my life. I have a daughter that is 27 years old, 3 grand children and another daughter that is 18 years old... Read More
Birds of a Feather
05/29/2006
by Kay Gibson | May 29, 2006I survived the empty nest syndrome.It was difficult at first when all my fledglings had flown out into the vast blue sky to make nests of their own. It seemed the birds scrambled... Read More
Sorry, No Vacancy at This Empty Nest
05/07/2006
by Dorsetta Hale | submitted on May 7, 2006The grocery store clerk at Manor Safeway was so proud of me today. He pronounced, "Ms. Hale, you saved $7.75 in coupons and $41.29 in club card purchases!""Ka-ching! That would be... Read More
Call Your Mom, She Misses You
04/26/2006
by Kate Fratti | submitted on April 26, 2006If you're in line at the supermarket this month or at the hair salon or at the dentist's office or gym and see a perfectly cheerful, stable, middle-age woman suddenly pull... Read More
From 4 Kids Under 5 to Two in College and Two in High School
04/10/2006
by Ruth Ridley | submitted on April 10, 2006Someone once said that when you have kids, "the days are long and the years are short". Wow, who can relate to that? Everyone says, "Enjoy them while they are young,... Read More
Who Cares What I Know . . I Still Hurt
03/30/2006
by Anonymous | March 30, 2006I know this is supposed to be a freeing time. My birds have emptied the nest. How am I going to live with the thoughts that say these could be your best years and... Read More
Hope
03/13/2006
by Christine Studor | submitted on March 13, 2006I am nearly the first "school year" as an empty nester. My oldest daughter left for a teaching job in the state "next door" and my younger daughter is in her first... Read More
Empty Nest Mom Confesses
02/13/2006
by Katie | submitted on February 13, 2007Why did I wait until my kids were gone to confess? My blinders were glued to being a sparkling mom and I was. When I visited this web site, empty nest support... Read More
The Dad's View
02/07/2006
by David I. Sommers | submitted on February 7, 2006I have resisted writing down my feelings about the empty nest syndrome as I have wanted to avoid - at all costs - feeling any more pain that I already... Read More
Cracked Mirror
01/16/2006
by Jennifer | submitted on January 16, 2006I am tired. I don't think I realized for years, how tired I am. Yes, my family and best job ever , called parenting, energized and fulfilled me, but I am tired.My two... Read More
Preparing...
01/14/2006
by Susan | submitted on January 14, 2006They say there is no reality to preparing for your baby and now there is no reality to having your baby leave home By reality I mean nothing really makes sense. I... Read More
Passing On The Baton or Get Out of My Toilet Bowl!
01/03/2006
by Babette Freed | submitted on January 3, 2006I awoke the other night, shouting, "Get off my toilet , I picked that beige bowl out. I searched plumbing stores to find it, and now you are sitting on my... Read More
My house wasn't quiet....
11/05/2005
My house wasn't quiet because all three of my boys came home to stuff themselves with yummy turkey and pumpkin pie. I always decorate with leaves and candles, keeping it simple. Each year I have a surprise. It was stories... Read More
As I Look Ahead...
01/25/2005
by Steven Harris | submitted on January 25, 2006My wife and I both work full time. It's Sunday morning and it is my wife's busy season and she is at work. I just got up, it's 10 AM. I... Read More