How Do I Prepare for an Empty Nest?

How do you emotionally and practically prepare for your child leaving home?
In this episode of Empty Nest Era, licensed therapist Jamie Chin, LMFT, dives into the emotional rollercoaster and logistical chaos that often come with an impending empty nest. From dealing with identity shifts and grief, to setting healthy boundaries and rediscovering your passions, Jamie shares heartfelt advice and therapist-approved tips to help you feel less alone.

Whether you’re a parent of a college-bound teen, a recent high school grad, or just quietly panicking about what happens after graduation day—this episode is your roadmap to a more confident, connected, and hopeful next chapter.

Because preparing for an empty nest isn’t about letting go—it’s about leveling up.

🔔Subscribe for weekly episodes on rediscovery, relationships, and emotional wellness in midlife.

📧 Contact Jamie at: emptynesteralife@gmail.com

💬 COMMENT below:  Is there anything you’ve started doing to prepare for your empty nest or are you still just processing it?

Disclaimer: This podcast is for education only and is not a replacement for therapy. I suggest you seek out the help of a trained professional for help with your specific situation if needed.

Transcript

[PODCAST TITLE] How Do I Prepare for an Empty Nest?

[INTRO] Welcome to the Empty Nest era, the podcast that helps you navigate life after the kids leave home. I'm Jamie Chin, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and mom to two amazing daughters in their twenties, and I'm here to walk alongside you as you rediscover yourself, reconnect with your partner, and redefine your relationship with your adult children. Let's begin this next chapter together. 

[EPISODE CONTENT]

JAMIE:
Hey there, welcome back to Empty Nest Era! I'm your host, Jamie Chin, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and your friendly guide through this weird and wonderful season of life we call the empty nest.

If you’re here, chances are you're standing at the edge of the nest, maybe clutching a cup of coffee—or a glass of wine—and wondering, "What in the world happens next?" Well today, we’re talking about just that: How do you prepare for an empty nest?

Grab your earbuds, your beverage of choice, and maybe a box of tissues—because we’re diving into the practical, and the emotional side of prepping for your little birdies to fly.

🎯 Segment 1: The Emotional Earthquake

JAMIE:
Let’s start with the emotional stuff, shall we? Because I hate to break it to you—but this is not just about packing up dorm room bins and bingeing on college checklist videos.

Preparing for an empty nest can feel like turning the last page of a beloved book—and realizing you're both satisfied and a little heartbroken that it’s over

You’ve been Mom, Dad, Carpool Queen, Snack Coordinator, Chaos Manager... and now? You're wondering:
“Who am I when they’re gone?”
“Will they even need me anymore?”
“Can I follow them on Life360 without looking unhinged?”

Here’s the truth:
 Feeling grief, anxiety, even a little jealousy that they’re about to embark on a new adventure while you stay behind is totally normal.
And yes, you're still allowed to love your kid and also fantasize about converting their bedroom into a yoga studio or man cave. It’s called balance.

💡 Therapy Tip:
Start journaling your emotions now. Don’t wait until the goodbye moment to unpack it all. I always tell clients: emotions are like house guests. The longer you ignore them, the louder they get.

🧭 Segment 2: The Practical Prep – Because Logistics Matter Too

JAMIE:
Okay, let’s talk practical. Because let’s face it—emotional work aside, someone still needs to buy twin XL sheets and figure out what a “meal plan flex dollar” is.

Here’s a quick checklist of three things you can do to prepare for launch day:

✅ 1. I Call This The Adulting Bootcamp

• Teach them how to do laundry. Yes, even if you’ve tried 10 times. This time, make them do it. My oldest daughter had to show so many people how to do basic laundry in her dorm freshman year. Talk about an unsung hero!
• Also, make sure they know how to schedule a doctor’s appointment, manage a basic budget, and yes—cook more than Cup O’ Noodles. You don’t need to turn out a Julia Child before they leave, but everyone can learn how to make simple dishes like spaghetti, tacos and an easy stirfry. 

✅ 2. Have the “Life Talk”

• Cover things like boundaries, checking in, social media etiquette (i.e. don’t tag them in your crying selfies), and consent.
• Share your expectations, but also ask for theirs. It’s a two-way relationship now.

✅ 3. Get Your Own House in Order

• Organize your finances. Empty nesting can be a financial shift—less groceries, but maybe more tuition. Take a realistic look at how the empty nest will impact you and make adjustments if needed.
• You should also look at your schedule: how much of it was filled with your child’s life? And how will you fill it once they are gone?

❤️ Segment 3: Reclaiming Your Identity

JAMIE:
Now, here’s the part where things start getting... exciting.
You didn’t just lose a role—you gained something too: freedom.

It might feel foreign at first. Like, "Wait, I don’t have to wake up at 6am for marching band practice? What is this strange feeling—rest?"

This is your time to rediscover yourself.
So let’s play a little game. I call it:

“Who was I before I was Mom?”

Write it down:

• What hobbies did you have?
• What did you always say you’d do if you had more time?
• What kind of life did you imagine for yourself at this age?

And hey—if your answer is “sleep more and watch Netflix without interruption,” that’s valid too. No judgment here.

Rediscovering identity is one of the healthiest ways to prevent empty nest depression. You are still a whole, evolving person.

📱 Segment 4: Staying Connected Without Smothering

JAMIE:
Now let’s talk about the balance between connection and freedom.

It’s tempting to want daily updates. But here's a reminder:
 “Just because they don’t call every day doesn’t mean they’ve forgotten you. It probably means you did a great job.”

Some healthy communication rhythms:

• Sunday check-ins (you call them, or they call you—it’s routine)
• Send memes or TikToks you think they’d love
• Care packages that are more fun than naggy (maybe don’t include five pages of unsolicited advice)

Give them space, but also let them know: I’m here. Always.

✨ Segment 5: What No One Tells You

JAMIE:
Here’s what no one tells you about the empty nest transition:

You will feel weird for a while.
You might grieve harder than expected.
And... you might also find yourself laughing more than you thought.

I’ve heard people say things like:

“I didn’t realize how much of my identity was tied to my child’s schedule.” You know, hence the phrase “soccer mom.” 

“I didn’t know I could feel both devastated and relieved.”

So I’ll tell you what I tell them:
 You are not broken. You are becoming.

Give yourself grace.

🛠️ Segment 6: Action Steps You Can Take Today

JAMIE:
Let’s wrap up with some simple actions you can take right now to start preparing:

1. Create a ritual for their goodbye — something meaningful that honors the transition. A letter, a small gift, a shared dinner.
2. Start your own project — a book club, a home reno, a new fitness routine.
3. Join a community — maybe even... this podcast community 😉
4. Talk to a therapist — yes, even us therapists need therapy. And it can help so much. In fact, I need to schedule an appointment with my own therapist Melinda asap! I will cry buckets of tears when she retires which I suspect is not that far off. Even though I don’t see her but for an occasional maintenance session, she gets me completely. And that feeling is priceless! 

Well folks, that’s it for today’s episode of Empty Nest Era. I hope you feel a little more prepared, a little more seen, and maybe even a little bit excited for what’s ahead.

Remember: this new chapter? It’s not the end. It’s your beginning.

[OUTRO] Thanks for joining me for this episode of The Empty Nest era. If today's conversation resonated with you, don't forget to follow, share, and leave a review. It helps other empty nesters find this supportive space. Until next time, take a deep breath. Trust your journey and remember. This is your time now.

[DISCLAIMER] Finally, I want to note that this podcast is for education only and is not a replacement for therapy. I suggest you seek out the help of a trained professional for help with your specific situation if needed. Thank you.