Making the Most of the Empty Nest

After nearly two decades of raising a child, parents can feel a bit blue once they head off to college or move into a new place for a job, creating the empty nest syndrome that leaves many parents wondering what to do with their sudden free time.  Full-time parents or parents who have problems with separation anxiety may suffer the most.  There are, however, many advantages of the free time and space of an empty nest, one of which is the freedom to travel to new places and see great sights.

Consider planning well ahead of time with a spouse or partner once your children have confirmed their intention to leave for college or a new home.  This is the first time in a while that a couple may have privacy and complete control of the home, and it may be necessary to re-ignite the romance after so many years with little time to share.  Whether you want to take a class on cooking or music, whether you want to re-design the home, or whether you want to get out to a new country, put down your ideas on a dream list in advance.

An empty nest gives many parents the chance to try something they have never done before.  Perhaps that means hiking up some of the tallest peaks in the country, or white-water rafting down the fiercest rapids.  It may mean taking up an old hobby, as well.  Many parents go on a vacation or cruise where they have the chance to participate in more extreme sports like skydiving, windsurfing, or trophy fishing.  Many resorts, furthermore, offer older couples the chance to enjoy such activities safely.  You can escape and do some Cabo fishing simply by checking out their tourism site and sign up for time on a boat.

A vacation to another part of the world may be a great way to spice up life and a relationship.  Getting to a part of the world where not many people speak English and hamburgers are not on the menu may be a bit daunting, but can create long memories.  Tours and safaris through parts of Africa, East Asia, and South America may be possible once the parents are no longer paying for the room and board of their children, and it is never a bad idea to splurge a bit once this major milestone in your life has been reached.