The Weech Nest: Empty Nest

~Visitors Welcome~

Mike and I our empty nesters...but we are loving every minute...especially when the kids come back to visit. I love this quote by Erma Bombeck:

"When mothers talk about the depression of the empty nest, they're not mourning the passing of all those wet towels on the floor, or the music that numbs your teeth, or even the bottle of capless shampoo dribbling down the shower drain. They're upset because they've gone from supervisor of a child's life to a spectator. It's like being the vice president of the United States."

But, seriously we are truely enjoying just sitting back and watching our kids be parents!

We love our family and friends!

Brook

Monday, August 31, 2009

Empty Nest - But loving it!

So the day has finally come....your last child has gone to college or moved out of your home or gotten married. Here you are, alone with your spouse for the first time in many years. So now what? Its been a long time since you weren't focused on your kids. In fact, it's probablly been hard to find the time to do much for yourself or your husband because you've been so busy raising the kids. Finally, after all these years, you are going to face a whole different environment in your home and if you're like lots of us, you might be apprehensive about it because you have no idea what to expect. Here are some tricks to making this time easier, more enjoyable, and less stressful.
1. First, take pride in how well you've done with your kids. Accepting and feeling good about the great job you've done not only makes you feel good, it is critical to helping you move forward in this stage of your life.
2. Stop telling yourself how upset you are. You didn't lose anything. Your kids are out living their lives, being happy, successful, and are exactly where they need to be. Telling yourself, your kids, and your spouse how upset you are simply makes it harder for everyone. It isn't fair to make your kids feel guilty about wanting to live their own lives. Besides- you haven't died, you're still their mom!
3. Prepare yourself mentally a long time before of your last child leaves home. Start doing things that make you happy. Start a project with your husband. Take a trip with your spouse somewhere you've always wanted to go. Develop hobbies you have always wanted to pursue but never had the time. You can even see yourself enjoying a quiet evening with your spouse watching a movie. Do what you did before the kids were born- DATE! There is no limit to all the positive things you can imagine.
4. Don't let the negative stuff come and take room in your mind. Whenever those negative feelings start coming around, make the effort to consciously replace them with the positive ones you are creating. By the time the actual time comes, you will be used to feeling good about it and things will be so much easier. Just remember that your nest is not empty, you are just making room for other things. You will see your kids coming and going from your home, but just know that whatever they decide to do, you are going to be fine because you are choosing to think right so you can feel and act right no matter what.