This is a collaborative post.
It’s a bittersweet moment when your children start leaving the nest. The house feels quieter, and suddenly, there is so much more space than there used to be. It’s natural to feel a little sad, but it’s such an exciting time for both you and your child.
This is your opportunity to rediscover yourselves, try new things, and go for a trip somewhere with nothing weighing you down. Children flying the nest can make a positive impact in your life in many different ways. However, if you’re stuck with ways to fill your time, bringing new joy into your life is a good idea, and we’ve put together a list of six things that you can do when the nest is starting to empty.
Foster Caring
Fill it up again with foster caring. A wonderful way to fill your time and make a difference in the lives of others is by becoming a foster carer. Engaging a fostering agency that can guide you through the process is a good idea. Empty nest syndrome can leave you with the desire to nurture and care for children and fostering gives you the opportunity to do just that. You’ll get all the support that you need and you’ll receive information on the types of children you could help. Becoming a foster care allows you to offer a safe and loving home to a child who needs one and it can be an incredibly rewarding experience.
Reconnect with your partner
After years of busy parenting, it’s very easy for couples to lose sight of one another and forget why they fell in love in the first place. With the children gone, you have more time to reconnect and rediscover what you love about each other. Planning regular date nights and spending time together strengthens your bond and refreshes your relationship for the rest of your life.
Start a hobby
Pursue a hobby or interest. Exploring a hobby or an interest that you’ve always wanted to try but never had time for is something you can definitely do once the kids move out. You could even transform one of their bedrooms into a studio for painting or photography. You could learn a musical instrument or start letting out a garden. You want to bring fresh excitement into your life and this is one of the ways that you can do so.
Volunteering
Start volunteering in the community. If you want to look for ways to give back and fill your time, volunteering is a great way to spend some time with others who are in need of help. From food banks to animal shelters, you’ll be able to volunteer and give yourself a sense of purpose and connection. It’s a good way to feel involved in the lives of others and do something that you’re truly interested in.
Study
Go back to school. If you always wanted to obtain a degree in something that interests you, why not use the time right now? With the kids off doing their own thing, there’s nothing stopping you from doing yours either!
Travel the world
Travel and explore new places. With fewer responsibilities in the home, you have the freedom to go where you want and when you want. You can take advantage of newfound flexibility to explore new places, whether it’s going somewhere abroad or taking a road trip to a nearby town. There is so much of the world to see, and you really can’t see it all before you die, but you may as well try!
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