HOW TO THRIVE AS EMPTY NESTERS WHEN YOUR KIDS FLY THE COOP

With back-to-school season right around the corner, many parents will soon wave goodbye as their kids head off to college. As your young adult begins a new chapter living away from home, you and your spouse will also enter a new season as empty nesters.

While the transition to empty nesters can be exciting, it can also feel overwhelming.

However, with a little intentionality, you can navigate this transition as a team and discover new opportunities to strengthen your intimacy. 

Challenges When Becoming Empty Nesters

The empty nest stage introduces a unique set of challenges for spouses.

First, your child’s departure can place an emotional strain on your marriage. The two of you will likely experience a range of emotions as you launch your child from your home. These feelings are normal. So talk to each other about how you’re coping with the change.

While the transition is emotional, it is also an opportunity to become closer to your spouse and deepen your emotional intimacy. 

Second, becoming empty nesters can reveal cracks in your marriage that were masked by the busyness of parenting.

For example, your discussions as a couple might have once centered around the kids. With them out of the house, you may struggle to engage in meaningful conversation. Similarly, your routines might change, such as eating dinner, attending church, or even having sex.

Now, you will get to determine new rhythms that work best for the two of you. 

5 Tips For Enhancing Your Marriage as Empty Nesters

To successfully navigate the transition to an empty next, implement a few of these key strategies:

1. Cultivate New Hobbies

Use your newfound time and freedom to enjoy fun hobbies as a couple. For example, participate in a dance class, join a book club, or have picnics in the park.

When you engage in activities together, you create new memories and strengthen multiple areas of your marriage, such as emotional, physical, and recreational intimacy.

2. Prioritize Meaningful Communication

Now, more than ever, it’s essential to have open and honest conversations with your spouse. Proactively share your hopes and concerns about this new phase of life.

Vulnerability and trust are part of the foundation of a healthy marriage, so when you share from the heart and actively listen to each other, you strengthen your bond as spouses. 

3. Lean On Your Community

While the two of you can support each other as you become empty nesters, you cannot be each other’s only source of comfort. Connect with other couples who are going through a similar transition. Gain wisdom or guidance from those who have been through this before.

You can also use this time to pour into other couples, such as those who are in the thick of parenting and could benefit from your perspective.

4. Explore Personal Passions

Sometimes, the best way to process a major life change is by keeping yourself occupied. Take this time to discover new interests, further your education, or pursue career goals. If you have lots of time on your hands, see where you can give back to your community by volunteering.

When you and your spouse continue to grow personally, you unlock new ways to connect and grow closer together.

5. Rediscover Romance

With fewer distractions and excuses, the empty nest phase is a great time to reinvest in your relationship.

Plan romantic weekend getaways where you can explore all areas of sexual intimacy: romance, initiation, foreplay, and sexual intercourse. Take advantage of the empty house and play sexy games or walk around naked!

Even simple actions like giving your spouse a back rub, picking up flowers on the way home, and saying “I love you” can help rekindle the flame.

Keeping Your Marriage Strong as Empty Nesters

The transition to an empty nest can seem daunting, but you can thrive by prioritizing connection and communication. Embrace your empty nest and the opportunities it provides for you to grow as individuals and as a couple.

Remember, this is a natural transition. It’s not an end but a new beginning. 

If you need personal help to navigate this big transition, apply for marriage coaching so you can experience the extraordinary marriage you desire.