Parenting: From New-borns to Empty Nest

I do a lot of work with new parents, working through the adjustments to the new challenges and routines it brings.  This can include topics such as maternity and paternity leave, return to work and sharing and balancing responsibilities.  Finding child care can be challenging, so one of the services I offer is, ‘walk and talk’ therapy.  This helps keep little-ones calm and entertained.  Another benefit is that clients sometimes feel more relaxed opening up in a situation that is side by side rather than face to face (this can apply to anyone, including ex-service people, for example).

I also work with people approaching retirement and am related to several retirees, so I sought their sage and received the following reply, amongst others:

“Thanks for your email. Yes, I'm in line with my wife on empty nest. The children are all fairly close by, so we do see them every now and again, the eldest less so. However, to be honest, it was nice when the time came that we could have the house to ourselves. No child coming back late and disturbing our sleep. No more Dad-taxiing. No more money subsidies, or at least not so many. 

Dad-in-law”

I understand the challenges and financial costs of supporting young adults into independence, now that I have teenagers of my own!  I’m glad that they are enjoying their well-earned retirement.  However, it’s not an easy transition for some.  Some people have children who move much further away than we did; not everyone sees eye to eye with their adult children and/or their partners.  Others realise that without the ‘buffer’ that is having a houseful, they need to address incompatibilities with their significant other or struggle to access hobbies and like-minded company. Some are challenged to provide care for their own aging relatives and/or grandchildren. Still more experience a decline in their health that they struggle to accept or have to retire because of.

“It’s no fun getting old!”

The cast of characters:

Gilly Whiz, Dad- in- law, Granny Sandra, Uncle Stu