Empty nest how did you deal with it? (parents, children, grandpa)

[wilsonthedog]

Not quite there, but real close

They are my world, sports, tutoring, studying time on weekends, trips, dinners, movie nights, college visits, more college visits, more studying, test prep, what do you do when they are almost gone?

Just wondering what ya'll did? It is rough!!

[PriscillaVanilla]

From what I've seen some parents deal with it by being in a rush to become grandparents, then take on the parenting role all over again. Some even quitting their career to become a full time caregiver to the grandchild. This doesn't bode well for their retirement. Over half the people picking up kids at my child's school are the grandparents.

[Mikala43]

Celebrate?

[turkeydance]

our first year we:
1. cleaned the house.
2. painted inside and out.
3. "cut the cord" of TV.

some of our friends went on lots of trips,
but we do not have that kind of money to spend.

[Mikala43]

We are going to move, so they can't find us.

[wilsonthedog]

Ha ha

I thought "celebrate" was going to be the thing, buy a boat, maybe a condo, travel more with the Mrs. but I have seen so much of the world with the kiddos over the years. The big stuff anyway; London, Paris, All of Ireland, cruises, DC, NYC, Cali, Italy, I don't have a huge list of places I want to go anymore.

We didn't really do without anything unless just needing more and bigger stuff is a thing..........summer vacations yearly, we had a few nice cars before just keeping the paid off ones to make sure they could attend wherever/whatever college they were accepted too, home is new and nice, emergency fund check, retirement check, by all measures we were never waiting for them to grow up so we could "live".

We volunteer, workout, have animals, I'm sure I will figure out something probably volunteer in Haiti or some other 3rd world nation. It is crazy because I knew it would be hard and was 100% mindful it would be and it's still hard.

I'm like now what?

Celebrate I'm sure I will get there.....feel like I lost my partner in crime as each one has flown off. Thank gosh we are all close still. (1 left at home)

Thanks for the input all!!

[Mattie]

Originally Posted by Mikala43

Celebrate?

Pretty much! We still have one rebounder here part of the time. He works in our town. He and his SO have been searching for a house to rent, but she has a dog, so it's complicating things. I will rejoice when they find what they want.

[silibran]

We really enjoyed the empty nest years when we were still working, and later after retirement. It sounds as if you like to be busy.

You could revisit the places you enjoyed with your kids but would like to see again. This time you and spouse can take more time and do the things that you and she want.

You could develop a skill that you have never been able to do before.

As you mentioned, you could do volunteer work. Maybe one of the local cultural institutions could use you as a volunteer.

Really, there are many possibilities. DH and I took several long trips before we retired. And we took several special trips after, as well. My advice is to travel while you are young enough to enjoy it.

[GeoffD]

Originally Posted by Mikala43

We are going to move, so they can't find us.

I was going to say "Change the locks" but your solution is far more effective.

[sheena12]

Originally Posted by wilsonthedog

Not quite there, but real close

They are my world, sports, tutoring, studying time on weekends, trips, dinners, movie nights, college visits, more college visits, more studying, test prep, what do you do when they are almost gone?

Just wondering what ya'll did? It is rough!!

Mine is empty now, with the exception of holidays and occasional two week visits.

Grandchildren are not in the foreseeable future.

I really understand how you feel. I am still dealing with it myself. I wish they would attend grad school close to home.

I wish I could tell you more. (((HUGS)))