How to thrive as empty nesters

Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield
Well, it is that time of year and that time of life for some of us kids are heading off to college and parents suddenly have an empty nest. You also boars has some advice for parents on gently letting go in today’s Sunday, check in. Welcome back. Yasna.

Jasna Burza
Thank you so much.

Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield
I know that a lot of people are going through this very weird phase right now of empty nesting kids went to college, what do we do?

Jasna Burza
It is such a big transition for most parents. And it is however, this transition is unique for every to every family, some parents are ready, and frankly quite excited for that to have that time for themselves. And for others. It’s a big challenge and a struggle. And I think the problem gets becomes a problem when it gets in the way of moving forward in life. So we want to share some tips that can hopefully help folks with that adjustment.

Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield
Yeah, tell us about some sources for personal development or prep for this? Absolutely. So

Jasna Burza
one of the first things is is psychological hack, because then we have to prepare for that change. So studies show that if we help our children and assist them in their decision making and executing logistics of the mall, what are things going to look like, we are also preparing ourselves, right? We help them which is wonderful. But we can also plan a trip, we can plan something for the future because think logically, where it’s signaling to our brain that it is happening, it’s coming. And then also I think we really need to give ourselves and our partners and others so much grace during this adjustment period. I think that because everyone will handle it differently. For example, I fully suspect my husband handling it very differently than I will. I think that we have to imply that anytime there’s a transition, there’s this space and adjustment period, and people react differently to it. So give yourself the time, feel all the fields and take as much time as you need to process those emotions.

Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield
And parenting is not over when they go to college or they get a job, right.

Jasna Burza
Our children always need us. And especially when they go through a transition or they go to college, such a major adult transition that I believe that they really need us more than ever, and maybe not in the way that they used to need us. But I think if they know that we’re here for them, what an incredible blessing.

Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield
Yeah, I mean, that relationships gonna transition a little bit, right?

Jasna Burza
Well, it’s, of course, and I think that there’s the beauty and and I think there’s something to be just celebrate about, we have spent 18 years raising a well adjusted individual that’s going to go into the world and hopefully do some amazing things make some mistakes too, because that is part of life. And there’s so much to eat to be celebrated and honors none of different nodes for parents. What a gift to finally have that space to do all the things for yourself that you have wanted to do. I think it is very important to stress that the most parents where they feel emptiness or loss is when they don’t know what’s next. And they sit in this room and they feel this overwhelming sadness. And I think it’s incredibly important to sit down and ask yourself, what do I want now in my next chapter of life and build that out, get your bucket list.

Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield
And you said there is proof that there can’t be a lot of happiness in this next space.

Jasna Burza
A couple of friends who are empty nesters, as of last two or three years, and they’re having the time of their life. I mean, they’re traveling the world there. They’re just so happy. They’re taking up the hobbies and they haven’t been able to do in 18 years. And I don’t know but I’m here for it. I’m looking forward to.

Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield
Okay, there’s definitely stuff to look forward to thank you Yasna.

Jasna Burza
Such a pleasure. Thank you

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