Empty Nesters
We took The Boy back to school so California Girl and I are officially “empty nesters”. I never realized how much I talked to and interacted with the kids until now. The house is really, really quiet. The Girl called earlier today just to check in. We text and FB chat a lot but it was nice to hear her voice. She had a lot of homework; but was trying to stay on top of it which I think is good. She’s certainly matured a lot over the past year. I know what she can take care of herself; but I still worry about her. She used to call me every single day when she got out of school and let me know what she was doing, where she was going, and who she was with. It was one of the rules unless she was going straight home which she seldom never did. Now she’s making her own rules. I just hope that the “wisdom” I tried to teach her is enough.
You will never stop worrying, either. I know we still do.
Alfie: It’s a tough adjustment because I can fix almost anything. Computers, cars, appliances, electronics. Now if she runs into a problem with anything, she’s on her own. The only thing I can offer is advice.
I am amazed at the things I read that give me reassurance as a parent… My kids (mostly the oldest) are starting to hang out with friends a lot and they have hardly been home the past few weeks. After 1 night of no kids I find the house begins to feel unusually quiet. I do a lot of hoping that they are behaving and making good choices. Perhaps I’m being acclimated slowly.
I look forward to reading about your time together and how you adjust!
Oh and isn’t it nice to have social networking available to keep in contact- especially now that you have smartphones making everything all that more accessible!
Viemoira: It’s not so much that they aren’t always here. There were many times when they were both gone and we had the house to ourselves. But, for example, Tuesday is pizza night (dating back when Domino’s had a Two for Tuesday special), which was one of their favorite meals, so Tuesday night was a time when we were always together. Tomorrow night it will just be me and California Girl as it will be every Tuesday until Christmas.
We text and FB a lot; but there is no substitute for being there. Still, it’s a lot better than it would be without social networking.
It is funny how quiet the house is now that our three are gone (well, for the most part. OS still lives here 2 out of 3 days) I’d be lieing if I told you TW and I aren’t worried about the kids, but, having said that, we’re confident that we brought them up right and they’ll be able to make wise decisions. We’re still stupified that none of the kids drink yet.
As quiet as it is though, I do have to admit that the sex is getting extremely hot since they departed for college. We are taking full advantage of the empty house. Like we tell people, be sure to call before you come over. What has been seen CANNOT be unseen.
Mr. Manic Depressive: We know that they are good kids that are “ready” for life on their own. But they both seem to be learning lessons in unexpected ways. You can’t protect your kids from everything forever. But, I wish we could still be doing more than we are.
We always had a lot of privacy when the kids were home since our bedroom was strictly off limits (even when they were younger) so the sex is about the same.
My 8 year old got on the bus today and I was SO sad. I missed him so much and he comes home everyday. I’m going to be a disaster when he goes to college!
Michelle: Up until last year when our daughter started driving, I took one or both kids to school and picked them up after work (since they both played sports) so I saw them at both ends of the day. It’s a lot different now that were just communicating electronically. We still wonder where the time went. Kids grow up FAST.