Baby Boomers Network

Little did I know that I’d be going through the empty nest syndrome all over again. I managed to pull through it when my son went off to college and then again when my daughter moved into her own apartment 12 miles from home about 6 years ago. It’s always hardest when your youngest leaves. No longer is your baby there for dinner or on the weekends to go shopping or to just hang out. My daughter became an adult, ready to spread her wings and be on her own.

The transition was difficult at first, as it is for most parents, who are close with their kids, but I always knew she was a phone call away and only just a half hour by car. Over the years, she became an independent, responsible, young woman, who proved herself to be a wise, talented, innovative individual.

During the past six years, she worked, saved her money and started getting restless, not feeling fulfilled in her current job options. She is an aspiring actress, who felt that Florida wasn’t giving her all that she needed to fully pursue her career. So one day, she decided to move to California, 3000 miles away to give herself a chance to ‘make it or break it’ in the business. Needless to say, her decision was bittersweet for the family.

I think there’s a huge lesson for all parents who experience the sadness, loss and emptiness that is associated with children leaving home. Here’s what I’ve learned:

1. It is a blessing that your child is healthy and independent enough to want to be their own, even though, they, too, are leaving the security of their home.
2. It is a joy to see your child follow his/her dreams, by taking risks that you may never have done at that age.
3. It is a gift that your lessons and teachings are being followed and that they feel strong enough and capable enough to trust their inner voice.
4. It is a privilege to watch your offspring, spring forth and become all they can be without your help.

I’d love my daughter to be close to home again so I can visit with her more often, but I also love her strength and fortitude. She may meet someone, and settle down in California and I may have a beautiful place to visit three times a year, or she may come back to Florida one day. Whatever the future holds, this growth is a normal part of life and I am sure that only good will come from her new adventure and from my new adjustment with the empty nest syndrome again.

Medical Supplies

Baby boomers are truly blessed. We are one of the most influential generations in the world. We are more active, more determined to stay young and healthy and more willing to live our lives freely and robustly.

In fact, as we get older, we are still getting better with each passing year. Why is that so? Because, we, boomers, can do anything you want. Think about this. Just because you’re older, it doesn’t mean you can’t find your dreams and fulfill it. It’s not too late to think BIG and pursue what would truly make you happy. If you are open to opportunities, the ideas, people, and information will fall into place. Stop worrying about what will be and never give up on yourself. Just remember, though, that things don’t happen on their own. You need to put in the effort. This means that you have to act on the opportunities that come your way and maybe take some risks.

Here is an example. Let’s say you’re ready to stop working at your current job and start your own at-home internet business. There is a lot of information available and many “gurus” who can direct you. Many boomers are turning to this new venue so they can create some passive income, while enjoying their “golden years.” When you follow the tried and already tested advice of others, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Plus, you may even reap the rewards of a fulfilling, prosperous future. Maybe you really want to become a travel agent so you can see the world. With some direction and determination, you can also make this dream come true. Take the baby steps by researching what you need to do and who you need to contact – and then go for it!

The only burden you really face is what course will you follow – either the traditional path to retirement or the innovative nontraditional means to creating your future. Now is the time to think about yourself and re-invent who you want to be in the last half of your life. This time of life can be very energizing and invigorating, if you think outside the box.

Baby boomers are aging and are burdened with indecision. But, you can help yourself by pushing to your limit so you can finally live out your dreams, because you really do deserve it.

If you are an empty nester or soon to be one, your relationship with your grown children should be a number one priority. After all, you don’t see them all the time, as they are on their own or out of the house. Your children are becoming responsible adults, and your guidance and support may not be as needed or as necessary as before, yet your caring and concern still counts.

You are still their parents and therefore, you want the best for them. However, there are boundaries that need to be set so that your children do not overstep the limits of your help and become abusive and manipulative. You want to establish the line between suggestions, authority, choice and decision-making. Therefore, as the parent, you have a new role to help your grown children establish their own identity, prioritize their needs and prepare themselves for financial and emotional independence.

Always be aware of the areas that may cause conflict between you and them. Here are the areas in question:

1. Misunderstandings due to poor communication
2. Values and lifestyle differences
3. The way grandchildren are being raised
4. Overall conduct
5. Religious and political conflicts
6. Grudges and hurt from the past
7. Spending habits

Love and respect are always an important focus at this time. After all, your children are now adults who no longer need to be disciplined, but rather need to have open and honest communication with you to assure that a healthy, strong relationship continues.

It’s hard to see your children struggle and it’s even harder to lose the close connections you had when they were small. Respect your adult children enough to listen to what they have to say. Don’t try to fix things; just be there and listen impartially, unless they ask for your opinion. Then share with honesty and sincerity.

The relationship you have with your adult children is only as good as the effort you put into it. Give it your all and you will maintain a healthy friendship that will last a lifetime.