It’s true that one of the biggest challenges for couples with children is adjusting to life without the kids at home. Maybe the kids have gone off to college or have gotten married and now it’s just your spouse and you. At first it will feel strange in the house, and the quietness may haunt you for a while, but ultimately, it’s a great time to reconnect with yourself and your spouse.
Empty-nesters, as they’re often called, have a great opportunity to rebuild on their relationship as a couple. They also have more time (and possibly more money) for doing things they enjoy, and purchasing items they’ve put off for years, due to sacrificing for their kids.
Here are some ideas of things you can do as empty nesters:
1. Remodel your home. Maybe you’ve put off fixing something that needed fixing or indulging in new curtains, carpets and etc.
2. Take that trip to Hawaii, or wherever you’ve dreamed of going. Some couples take trips across country in an RV, or travel to resorts more often.
3. Buy a new vehicle. Maybe it’s time to get rid of the old clunker of a car, and purchase a more dependable, luxury vehicle.
4. Take up a new hobby together. Maybe it’s time to clean the dust off your tennis rackets and get back out there and play.
5. Entertain more. Throw more parties and get together with friends.
6. Consider taking in an exchange student.
7. If you own a really large home, you may even want to rent out a room or two.
Empty nesters have a chance to create an abundant life for themselves as a couple. The key to surviving without the children at home is to indulge your creative side and invest in yourselves as a couple, and invest in yourselves individually as well.