What was your reaction to ask for help? I don’t know anyone who would really help me? I don’t know where to begin with the help I need. I am so uncomfortable telling someone I am hurting. Believe me; you aren’t alone when it comes to sorting your feelings and then asking for help. Vulnerable
Read More
I think the place people get stuck the most in finding “What’s Next,” is saying they don’t know what to do. I for sure can relate to that response. Key is to say it and keep going. “I don’t know what I want to do and I will try……” You get to go and try
Read More
I think the overall vote for a giveaway would be… So what came to you when you read that? You can post it here or privately email me, Natalie@emptynestsupport.com Here is a list of things I have heard from empty nesters when I ask them that during a consultation or group. 1. Fear of trying
Read More
Change is inevitable. Get support. Over the six years of my speaking with parents across the country a big question is, NOW WHAT? You are on a journey of grieving the role you loved and shifting into a new role. How do you find what’s next for you? 1. Talk with your friends about your feelings
Read More
Parents are dealing with hellos and goodbyes this summer. Relatives and friends are coming to visit.Children are coming back home.Change is inevitable as I always say, but that doesn’t mean we like it. Melissa called today confused with wanting them to come home and not wanting to deal with their differences. She knows it is
Read More
Graduations are ending. A new reality sets in for parents. It is getting real that in eight weeks or so, children will be taking the leap away from home. A dad called saying he feels desperate to have fun this summer with the family. Conflict is that his children don’t feel desperate or even available.
Read More
I got a sweet email from a dad after we spoke on the telephone. All of his children are away and usually they forget to acknowledge Father’s Day. He knows they love him. He knows their brains work differently – he understands. Plan one is for him to do something to celebrate that day and
Read More
Congratulations to all of you! “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” Ralph Waldo Emerson, writer Tips of the Day – 1. Carry extra Kleenex. I passed out cotton handkerchiefs to my immediate family while we were waiting for the ceremony to begin.
Read More
A father shared with me on the telephone that in two months, his son will be thousands of miles from home. He notices that moms are better at chatting and repeating their feelings. He sees articles about moms saying goodbye, but little support for the dads. He is hurting because he too loves his son,
Read More
That is what I am hearing from parents and non-parents across the country who are burnt out from the decades of a career they use to enjoy. It reminded me of the line, THE GRASS IS ALWAYS GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE. A lawyer told me she now wants to teach high school if she
Read More
I have been hearing from parents that their children have made their college choices. Some wishes have come true, some are waiting for a year, gap year, until they can afford college, some will be volunteering, and others are staying local to cut costs. For parents it brings up shifting what they thought would happen
Read More
Do you remember the celebration of high school graduation and then college? I will never forget those milestones with my daughter. True joy. Heavenly Days. I loved my family and dear friends being in the same room to celebrate her. I loved seeing all the other families so happy with their clicking cameras and Kleenex.
Read More
Natalie Caine, M.A. natalie@lifeintransition.org
