What Is So Bad About An Empty Nest?


What Is So Bad About An Empty Nest?

2
points

When I was growing up in the fifties and sixties, my dream was to meet Mr. Right, get married, have children, and live happily ever after. I accomplished this goal to the tune of eight children (I am a bit of an over-achiever), and have lived happily ever after to this day.

However, I did not account for the 30 to 40 years that still remain after the kids are grown. Even if you overdo things a bit and have eight kids, it still only takes 30 years to get them raised. So now what do I do?
My all encompassing job is over. My nest is empty. The job that occupied me so completely is pretty much done. The kids don't need me that much anymore. Now what do I do?

I live for me. I do what I want. I take trips with my husband of 36 years. I live in a relatively uncluttered house. I am always able to find my socks. I make plans which don't include the children. I spend my money on me. I am even starting a new career. I am really enjoying this empty-nest.



user-icon Submitted by spinningwheeler03 on Wed, 2008-12-03 14:06


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jdubhub's picture

That's a healthy outlook

Submitted by jdubhub on Wed, 2008-12-03 18:32.

My son is still young (4 years old next month), but I understand what happens with "empty nest syndrome". If a married couple has steadily drifted apart over the years, but stayed together "for the kids", the nest emptying means that two strangers now occupy the same house. That happened to my mother and stepfather--my mom was scared to leave the alcoholic, abusive jerk because she didn't have the skills to be a single parent or admit to her own parents that she made a mistake by marrying him and ask for help. As soon as I joined the Navy out of high school and my younger brother joined the Air Force a year later (my youngest was living with my grandparents), she left my stepfather.

It is of the utmost importance that the husband and wife take the time to work on their marriage throughout the childraising to ensure that there will be something left for each other once the kids leave. My wife and I do it every week and we are fortunate that her mother lives on the same ranch as us so we can have our son spend one night "at grandma's" to give us time as a couple.

Excellent article! +1

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