I’m in the empty nest stage of life. A stage that crept up on me faster than I could have imagined.

It marks the beginning of a new phase in life, filled with exciting possibilities and personal growth opportunities.

Fear not, mamas! The empty nest years are not the end of the world. In fact, it will be the start of a fantastic journey for you and your children.

Raise good humans to go into the world independently. Like it or not, they won’t be babies forever. They have wings. Prepare them now to use them.

Becoming an empty nester can bring several benefits, and below are some of those empty nest benefits in no particular order of importance.

Empty Nest Benefits

Benefit #1: Reigniting your relationship with your spouse – guilt-free- is one of the many positive aspects of this life stage, as you can focus more on each other and your shared goals and dreams. It can be a wonderful way to rediscover your connection, and here are seven ways to do it:

Date Nights

Schedule regular date nights to spend quality time together, whether it’s going out to dinner, watching a movie, or trying new activities. Surprise each other with small gestures of love and appreciation.

Travel Together

Plan trips and adventures as a couple, exploring new destinations and creating shared memories. Surround yourselves with positive influences and friends who support your relationship.

Communication

Foster open and honest communication. Discuss your goals, dreams, and desires for this new phase of life.

Goals & Interests

Discover or revisit hobbies or interests you enjoy. Find a cause or charity you both care about and volunteer together, strengthening your bond through shared experiences. Consider taking classes or workshops together, whether it’s dance lessons, cooking classes, or learning a new language. Encourage and support each other’s goals and aspirations.

Physical Intimacy

Prioritize physical intimacy and affection, keeping the romantic spark alive.

Counseling or Therapy

Consider couples counseling or therapy if you face challenges and need professional guidance.

 Healthy Lifestyle

 Maintain a healthy lifestyle together by exercising, eating well, and staying active, which can boost physical and emotional well-being.

Above all, remember that every couple is unique, so it’s essential to tailor your efforts to what works best for you and your partner. The key is prioritizing each other and nurturing your love and connection.

Benefit #2:  MORE FREEDOM

1. Time Freedom

With children out of the house, parents have more time for themselves and their interests. They can pursue hobbies, travel, or enjoy leisure activities without the responsibilities of raising children. Babysitter? What’s that?

2. Financial Freedom

Empty nesters often have reduced financial obligations related to their children’s education and upbringing. The elimination of this expense can lead to increased financial freedom, allowing them to save, invest, or spend on themselves and their desires.

3. Lifestyle Freedom

Empty nesters have the flexibility to redefine their lifestyles. They can downsize their homes, move to new locations, or make better changes that suit their preferences and needs.

4. Relationship Freedom

The absence of children in the house can lead to more quality time for couples. Empty nesters can rekindle their relationships, explore new activities together, and enjoy a stronger, more free sense of intimacy.

5. Career Freedom

Some parents put their careers on hold or made sacrifices for their children. Empty nesters may find the freedom to focus on career advancement, change careers, or explore new professional opportunities.

6. Personal Growth and Self-Discovery

With fewer family responsibilities, empty nesters have the opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. They can learn new skills, take up education, or engage in self-improvement activities.

Overall, the type and extent of freedom experienced by empty nesters can vary. But one thing’s for sure: it often involves a newfound sense of autonomy and the ability to prioritize their own needs and desires for the first time in a very long time.