Saturday, July 14, 2018

Living The Joys Of Being One Of The Empty Nesters

By Robert King


A parent's main goal is to raise their children to one day leave home and become responsible, productive citizens. They go through many things, some right and some wrong, to achieve that goal. But, ultimately, when that happens, many parents dread the time. They do not relish becoming empty nesters. This just means their home is empty of children. Though is should be a happy time, it is not always that way.

Parents should be able to be proud of their children at this tie, instead of facing an emptiness and feelings of grief. These children are beginning their own life, using the skills their parents have imparted to them. This should be a time for pride in the skills these children have. They can anticipate a successful life for the children in which they can be proud.

It is important to acknowledge your feelings of sadness instead of pretending everything is okay. Though you may be happy for your child, you may still feel sadness. Acknowledge that and know it is normal. However, if you feel a very heavy sadness that you can't seem to be able to handle, don't hesitate to seek professional help.

Try to think back to things that you enjoyed before you ever had the first child. Many of these things have not been available to you since having children. You are free to now go back and do those things. If no longer enjoy them, find something else you do enjoy.

Finding a new hobby or something that will keep you occupied, something that you were not able to do when you had kids, maybe even something a little bit crazy but interesting. It may be you wanted to skydive, or zip line. Do it now that you have less obligations, and no small child to be responsible for.

You may have had to let your career go on hold to meet family obligations when you had children. You can now put your career first. You can travel for work, if that is something you would like to do. You can even take the chance now to start a new career, as there is less family responsibility if it doesn't work out, or if the income is lower.

Now is a great time to travel, either across country or internationally. You can even buy an RV and travel across the country, with no time restraints or career obligations if you are retired. Be sure to take identification of your age and retirement status. Many places offer special discounts and programs for those who are older and retired. You have no limits to what you can do now.

Downsizing is not a possibility for you, since you have no children living at home anymore. You can live in a beach house or condo, either in a luxurious one or a small one that is cheaper to save expenses. If you want to live on the beach, or in the mountains, you are free to do so. You no longer need as large a house, so can go for a smaller one that is more luxurious, maybe something you have always wanted.




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