Empty Nester? 20 Ways To Redesign Your Life After Your Kids Move Out
This Isn't An End, But A New Beginning
When the kids leave home, the silence can feel jarring, unfamiliar, and uncomfortable at first, but it also represents a new chapter. This phase of life isn't just about loss; it's an opportunity to reimagine your life, focus on the things you gave up for child rearing, and do whatever makes you feel fulfilled. Here are 20 meaningful, energizing ways to redesign your life after your kids move out.
1. Redefine Your Passions
When you have kids, it's common to put your old passions and hobbies on hold to focus on them. Now is the perfect time to revive and reconnect with old interests, whether it's learning an instrument, painting, or returning to school.
2. Make a Bucket List
Instead of looking back listlessly at having your kids in the house, look ahead. List out the things you wish to accomplish and focus on making them happen.
3. Volunteer
Volunteering can help you find new meaning through service, filling the void left by the absence of your children. Re-investing your energy in a cause you really believe in can be the perfect antidote to loss.
4. Start a Side Hustle
If you have a lot of free time on your hands and don't like to stay idle, consider starting a side hustle. Turn an old hobby like knitting, baking, or writing into a small business or passion project.
5. Focus on Health & Wellness
Why not use all this extra free time to get in the best shape of your life? Join a new fitness class, set a daily walking goal, or commit to a new healthy cooking routine.
6. Create New Traditions
If before your traditions were based on family, now you can establish new rituals that fit this particular stage of life. This can be annual trips, solo retreats, or weekly calls.
7. Go On Dates Again
Romance often takes a back seat once you have kids. Start scheduling date nights again to rekindle the bond with your significant other or start up a new relationship if you're single.
8. Take a Second Honeymoon
Similar to scheduling regular date nights, taking a second honeymoon might be just what you need to rekindle your passion. Now that the kids are grown up and moved out, it's your time. Why not spend it in the throes of love?
9. Master a New Skill
Mastering a new skill, whether it's an instrument, a language, or a trade like pottery or woodworking, is an excellent way to reclaim your time. Working towards a goal and being able to measure your progress is extremely satisfying and rewarding.
10. Take a Solo Trip
Solo traveling is a great way to learn about yourself while having incredible adventures. You might surprise yourself with how capable you are at navigating new challenges in foreign places. It's extremely formative and empowering.
11. Host Events
Once your kids are out of the house, you have a lot more space to entertain. Host regular dinner parties, wine tastings, or card games with friends.
12. Downsize Your Home
There's no reason to have your kids' rooms stay empty most of the year, and staying in the same house can be a painful reminder that they're not around. Consider downsizing to simplify your life and turn a new leaf.
13. Experiment In The Kitchen
Your kids moving out presents the perfect opportunity to get creative in the kitchen. No longer do you have to yield to each family member's tastes. You can get creative with recipes and try different cuisines.
14. Declutter
Decluttering and donating are the perfect way to turn a new leaf. Get rid of the accumulation of parenting years and organize your home for the next phase.
15. Be Spontaneous
When you have kids, it can be difficult to be spontaneous because you have a lot of other schedules to keep in mind. Late nights, last-minute plans, or doing absolutely nothing are back on the menu. Enjoy your freedom without so much structure.
16. Set New Financial Goals
If before, all your financial goals were related to your kids, you can now get some peace of mind that they're old enough to fend for themselves. You can set new financial goals that are about what you want to do, like finally retire, start a passion project, or travel.
17. Strengthen Friendships
With all this extra time, why not invest in your friendships? This is something that often falls to the wayside when you're focusing on your family, but socializing with friends has been linked to greater longevity and improved mental health.
18. Start a New Career
With your kids out of the house, you can use this time to make big changes in your career. Pivot to consulting, freelancing, or going back to school to pursue work that feels more meaningful than practical.
19. Become a Mentor
Being a mentor to someone who's just starting in your line of work can be extremely rewarding. It can also fill that void where you used to guide your children.
20. Redecorate
Turn your child's bedroom into a studio, gym, or guest room. This will help you move forward and not let out a big sigh every time you pass their room. It's your space, and it should reflect who you are now.
