Empty Nester Holiday stress

@cinnamonelephant3294

Oh you are not alone! This is the topic of discussion whenever I go out with friends who are my age, the "over 50" friends.  I have three boys who are all either married or engaged. I just realized this weekend that they all have put their spouse first, as it should be!  I feel a sense of loss, sadness, pride, emptiness, and confusion-what could I have done to keep them closer to me? "After all I did for them" as children, giving them my all, I wasn't ready to feel so alone.  The one conclusion I came to is that I need to focus on ME now, and enjoy my life! I totally agree that our job is to give our children wings and hope they fly, it is just alittle sad when they don't ask me to fly along with them. 

Thanks for your response. I seem to have stopped doing anything that used to bring me joy, I guess because I was too focused on my kids. And now I have nothing. No hobbies, few friends nearby. I'm trying to join groups but it's hard. Especially when I'm so down. Nothing is fun.

@maebyb thank you, it helps to hear from others!

So sorry this is happening and understand how disheartening it feels sometimes. My son is in university and he is doing well in engineering and surprisingly he doesn’t come home every weekend …. But does on long weekends. It is a time of independance and change however never fear you are always the momma.

My son will do what is minimally required family obligations but nothing further. I do take photos at birthdays and holidays he will endure that lol 😂

Being an empty nester for me takes an adjustment definitely. For me it did just not getting used to it honestly. I have been embracing the freedom and doing some different things ….

I am glad you posted here great community at 7cups. 💕💕💕