As a mother of seven, I’ve always cherished the chaos of raising kids. Now, as that chapter of life approaches its close, I find myself contemplating what an empty nest will bring. Instead of mourning the loss of my children at home, I’m beginning to embrace the myriad of benefits that come with this new phase.
Many of my friends are already enjoying their empty-nester status and reveling in grandparenthood, and they make it seem quite appealing. I’ve shifted my mindset from fearing the empty nest to eagerly anticipating it.
The days of soft little footsteps have long since transformed into the heavy thuds of growing kids, with shoes that seem to cost a fortune. I often recall the saying, “Silence is golden,” and I’m starting to see how true that is. As I look ahead to my golden years, the thought of having a peaceful home is incredibly appealing. Kids can be loud—between their friends, their games, and their music, it can be a cacophony. Over the years, our home has hosted a variety of musical instruments, from trumpets to guitars, and soon they’ll be gone along with my children, bringing about that much-anticipated silence.
That quiet will be perfect for those long afternoon naps I dream of during retirement. With kids around, finding a moment to rest has been a challenge. And sleeping in? Forget about it! The days of being jolted awake by slamming doors or urgent requests for help will be a welcome memory.
For years, I’ve joked about how I would miss the toys strewn everywhere once the kids left. But honestly, I think I’ll revel in the neatness. A tidy home that stays clean longer than a few hours will be a remarkable change. I can’t wait to plant flowers where the Tonka trucks used to roam and no longer dodge bicycles and soccer balls littering the yard.
Cooking will take on a whole new meaning, too. I can finally make meals that cater to my own tastes. Pecans in cookies, onions in meatloaf, and peas in salads? Yes, please! Dining out will no longer require a family consensus, and my husband and I can enjoy a romantic meal without the dreaded, “Mom, you’re embarrassing me!” echoing across the table.
There are countless delights awaiting me after my children spread their wings. Showers without interruptions, no more waiting up for late-night arrivals, and the end of laundry mountains filled with sports uniforms or last-minute projects will be a relief. Financially, the savings on utilities, groceries, and insurance will be a nice bonus as well. I’ve envisioned transforming the kids’ rooms into a sewing space, a home office, or a guest suite, and this is my opportunity to make those dreams come true.
While my children will always have a place to return, I hope they’ll give me a heads up first. After all, I might just be enjoying a nap in my living room, blissfully free of clothes, simply because I can.
This article was originally published on Aug. 29, 2015.
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Summary:
This article captures the journey of a mother of seven as she transitions into the empty nest phase of life. Emphasizing the joys of newfound silence, a clean home, and the freedom to enjoy personal preferences, the author highlights the positive aspects of this new chapter.