As I sit here in our desert home in Indio, California — just a mile from the buzz of Coachella — I can practically feel the bass in my bones. The air is warm, flowers are blooming, and my oldest daughter is headed to the festival with my nephew, decked out in matching outfits and that wide-eyed excitement only your twenties can bring.
Meanwhile, I’m here with Alta, my sweet rescue pup, sipping my iced coffee and wondering if I should just walk down the street and buy a last-minute ticket — because hey, why not? I do LOVE me some Lady Gaga! Spring is all about renewal, and just because I’m not in my twenties doesn’t mean I’m not craving something new. Maybe not flower crowns and fringe boots, but something. A spark. An adventure. And this year’s lineup is amazing.
Spring is like that, isn’t it? Everything feels fresh and full of potential. And in many ways, that’s exactly what this season of life — the Almost Empty Nest — is about too. It’s a reminder that while one chapter is winding down, another is just beginning. So let’s lean into it. Let’s talk about what it means to start fresh.
Embracing New Beginnings: The Joy of Spring
As we welcome April and all the joy and renewal that spring brings, many of us find ourselves at a crossroads. For some, (me included), this season marks the end of an era: children graduating from high school and college, and the bittersweet transition into empty nesting in the fall. Whether you’re already navigating this new phase or preparing for it, spring is a fitting metaphor for new beginnings, filled with hope and promise. It’s a time of awakening. As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, our spirits often lift in tandem with the season.
Did you know that research shows longer daylight hours can lead to increased feelings of happiness and well-being? A study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives highlights how longer daylight can boost mood and energy levels. This natural phenomenon can inspire us to embrace change and look forward to the future.
For parents, this spring may be particularly significant. Many of us are balancing the excitement of our children’s high school accomplishments with the realization that these moments are fleeting. With graduation ceremonies on the horizon, we may find ourselves reminiscing about the early days of parenting while also preparing for the next chapter.
As I reflect on my own journey—preparing to send my youngest child off to college and my oldest off into the workforce (and a move across country to NYC), I’m reminded of the importance of savoring these last moments together. Here are three takeaways to help you soak up the final months with your children before they spread their wings:
1. Prioritize Quality Time
Yes, your kids are busy and yes, they want to be with their friends and teammates but maybe set up an agreement with them that Sundays from 5-9 is family time. Whether it’s a picnic in the park, a day on the slopes for some spring skiing, or simply enjoying a movie night at home, prioritize as much time as you can with them, while still of course letting them live their lives. These memories will be invaluable as you both navigate the changes ahead.
2. Embrace Traditions
Spring is an ideal time to establish or continue family traditions that can carry on even when your kids leave the nest. Consider hosting a graduation dinner for your son or daughter and their friends, where each child shares their favorite memories from high school, what they are most proud of, or what they are most looking forward to. That would be a fun dinner party. Or you might also start a new tradition with your children, like a springtime ritual of planting flowers or vegetables together. These traditions can serve as a comforting reminder of your family bond, regardless of where life leads your children. And when they come home to visit, they can relish in what they planted and enjoy the process of it blooming year after year.
3. Focus on Open Communication
As your children prepare to leave home, maintaining open lines of communication is essential. Encourage them to express their feelings about their upcoming transition—whether it’s excitement, anxiety, or a mix of both. This is a perfect opportunity to reinforce that your support and love will remain constant, no matter the distance. Create a schedule for regular check-ins, whether through phone calls, texts, or video chats, to foster connection and support. I don’t mean talking to them five times a day (lol) but try to create a little bit of consistency. In our home we actually FaceTime our daughters away at college on Sunday nights so they can be part of our Sunday dinners. We really enjoy this ritual and look forward to it every Sunday.
The Path Ahead
As we embrace the beauty of spring, let’s also look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead. The empty nest phase brings a chance for personal growth, exploration, and fun! Many mothers often find themselves rediscovering passions and interests that may have taken a backseat during the years of active parenting. Whether it’s pursuing a hobby, taking a class, engaging in community activities, or going to a concert with 100,000 people in the desert, this is your time to flourish. Live a little and go for it.
To support you in this journey, I invite you to explore my 21-Day Transformational Course: Design Your Best Empty Nest set to kick off this August! I can’t wait to witness your transformation after taking this course over a three-week period. This program is specifically created for mothers like you who are ready to embrace this new chapter with confidence, clarity, community and connection. Together, we will navigate the emotional landscape of empty nesting, help you to redefine your identity, and define your next best chapter with joy and excitement. Warning: this course WILL cause transformations! Click here to be added to the list.
As you watch your children prepare to take their next steps, remember that each ending is a new beginning. Embrace the spring, soak in the moments, and get excited for the next chapter of your life. The days may be getting longer, but your journey is just beginning. You’ve got this!
Read the Comments +