Letting go may be the hardest step in the parenting process. Here are some inspirations and quotes to ease you through empty nest syndrome.
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Some women don’t bat an eye when their last baby leaves the nest. Instead, they seamlessly move right on to the next phase of their life. Other women completely fall to pieces because they measured all their worth as a mother, and have a much more difficult time.
Most women, however, fall in the middle of those two scenarios. There is a sense of sadness and loneliness as they meander through the beginnings of an empty nest, and it’s only natural to feel that way.
Letting go is just another step in the parenting process. Think back to when you were potty training, or weening the pacifier, or saying “no” to something that all their friends were allowed to do. It wasn’t easy, was it? But you made it through then, and you will make it through now as well.
Remember the Bright Side
There is always a silver lining lurking around, you just have to find it.
Focus on You
You now have much more time to focus on yourself. Find things that you enjoying doing and that make you happy. A new hobby, extra self-care, or more time for your career – whatever it may be, there is now more time for you.
Your House Will Be Clean
Think of how tidy your house will be. Sure, you’ll be missing your kids but will you really be missing the glasses and bowls sitting on their nightstand? Probably not. Organize a closet, or rearrange some furniture to freshen your space. You’ll be surprised at how long things will stay neat and clean.
They Will Visit
Whether they have moved across town or across the world, they do come back to visit. Maybe you’ll see them once a week, or maybe it’s twice a year, but you will see them and it’s always something to look forward to.
Inspiration for Your Empty Nest
1. “Your child’s life will be filled with fresh experiences. It’s good if yours is as well.”
Dr. Margaret Rutherford
2. It happens before you know it. The handprints get higher and higher and then they disappear.
3. A mother’s job is to teach her children not to need her anymore. The hardest part of that job is accepting success.
4. “When mothers talk about the depression of the empty nest, they’re not mourning the passing of all those wet towels, or the music that numbs your teeth, or even the bottle of capless shampoo that dribbles down the drain. They’ve gone from supervisor of a child’s life to spectator. It’s like being the vice president of the United States.”
Erma Bombeck
5. There are two gifts we should give our children; one is roots and the other is wings.
6. You can’t start the next chapter in your life if you keep re-reading the last one.
7. “It’s not what you do for your children, but what you have taught them to do for themselves that will make them successful human beings.”
Ann Landers
8. We’ve been teaching them to walk away from us since we taught them to take their first steps.
Recommended Reading
If you are in need of a little more inspiration or direction in dealing with being a brand new empty-nester, I highly recommend checking out the following books for some insight.
There is light at the end of the empty nest tunnel, and you are certain to find it. Don’t be afraid to draw on inspiration from mothers that have already been there and know what you are going through.
Do you have any empty nest inspirations or quotes to share? Please share in the comments!
