The empty nest can be one of the toughest parts of parenting. It's a holy, hard giving-back, a sacred release of our children into God's care and their next chapter. But you, too, have a new chapter, and you can find peace as you transition from mom to empty nest mom and rediscover that mom is not your only name.
Have you asked yourself:
- Who am I now?
- What is my purpose now that my children are gone?
- What gifts and talents do I have to offer?
- What should my priorities be?
- How do I become something more than "Mom?"
You're not alone, mama. Among the tears and apprehension of this brand-new season or the joy and celebration that you finally have your house back, you can find a new purpose as one mothering era ends and another begins. You'll discover your life is more than carpooling, laundry, and cries of "Where are my shoes?" And you'll find freedom to act on the dreams you deferred while handling the responsibilities of raising your children.
There is a second act, a future with your name on it, different from your children's but filled with hope and surprises you cannot begin to imagine...if you plan for it, believe in it, and, with the Lord's help, walk fearlessly into it.
You are cordially invited to the After Party...because Mom is not your only name.
Kate Battistelli, speaker and author of Growing Great Kids and The God Dare, represents one-third of the popular Mom to Mom Podcast, bridging the generation gap with a biblical example of mentoring in every season of motherhood. As a young actress in New York City in the early 80's, Kate went from understudy to starring as Anna in the Broadway National Tour of "The King and I" opposite Yul Brynner for more than 1,000 performances-a life-altering experience. Kate and her husband, Mike, live near their son-in-law and daughter, Francesca Battistelli, and their seven grandchildren in the charming town of Franklin, TN.
