Empty Nest Fun

Empty Nest Fun

Experiencing empty next syndrome? The kids have moved on and are going to college now. You have been cooking, cleaning, and driving your kids to events for years. Now you do not have any kids in your home. What do you do together as a couple now? It is a time when you are having to let go, and drop your child off for their first day of college.

What do you do as a parent to help you let go? Will your child remember everything you taught them? These may be some of the scary, parent questions going through your mind. In your mind you may be remembering the first time you left your child at preschool. You may be reminiscing in your mind about what that day was like. You may be having similar feelings about dropping off your child at college too.

The grow up so fast. 

They really do grow up so fast, so how can you keep them young and stay connected to them. Many days you may be so sick and tired of taking care of your kids, but one day you will wish you had this day back, so embrace all of your memories today. Create unique gifts for them now, like some of the following. Give these gifts to your kids when they leave for college, as a way to keep these memories alive.

Put any photos you want on the outside of this “Any Occasion” DIY Time Capsule, to make your own Graduation Time Capsule. Learn more by clicking on this photo above.

As you kid are growing up, it can be helpful to prepare for empty nest. Make empty nest easier on you all, by setting up a time capsule opening ceremony. For example, when your child is born, start collecting sentimental and heirloom mementos and memories in a Baby Time Capsule. During their senior year in high school, or right as they are starting college, create a DIY graduation time capsule for your kids. Learn more about how to make a Graduation DIY time capsule here.

Save your child’s favorite game in the graduation time capsule, so they can continue your family game night memories and play with other friends at college now.

Give gifts to help you both let go, as you go through this empty next time. Leave your child a book to read while in college. Throughout the book, leave little post it notes of love for your child to read.

Another surprise would be to randomly send little gifts, that your child will need, like gift cards, a home cooked meal and recipe to make it again later, and other favorite items. Do not just wait on holidays to come, to give gifts of love to your child while they are away growing up at college.

Make your child a blanket with all of their old favorite shirts. This is a great way to keep memories alive, and turn them into a lasting gift. Every time they use their personalized blanket, they will think of you.

With your children off to college, and you now starting a life of your own, your home may now be quiet and empty. It can be a time of grief. Make a list of things you now want to do in your life. Go volunteer somewhere or travel. Find hobbies you and your spouse are interested in and reintroduce yourselves and what you want out of life together again, rekindling your love. Let each other know how proud you are of raising your kids.

What are some fun ideas you can think of to do, to help you through the empty nest time? Comment below.

Making Milestone Moments Count,

– Marcie