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K
Sort of the wrong section but I'll gladly still respond.
You didn't really state how old they were, but I'm guessing 18 - 23? Somewhere between there? That's at least the most common age of when the children move out.
If you miss them, and wish for them to stay / drop by regularly, let them know, tell them you want them to come over for dinner every once in a while, have a small family get-together, or ask if you can come by and visit them once their place is decorated and done. Being supportive is also good, support them in their decision, try and help them out, and let them know you're there. The worst thing to do is start arguing because you don't want them to move, forcing them to stay is a bad decision and will most likely result in them wanting to lose a bit of contact, harsh but true.
If it's their first time moving out, it's quite common for them to drop back at least once before fully moving out and standing on their own two feet. But let them know that you're there and willing to help out with anything if they need something.
Something that can help you out some, is starting a hobby if you have the time, not sure if you got a job or not, but work, distract your mind a bit.
Hope I could help some?
Also welcome to ChristanChat!
You didn't really state how old they were, but I'm guessing 18 - 23? Somewhere between there? That's at least the most common age of when the children move out.
If you miss them, and wish for them to stay / drop by regularly, let them know, tell them you want them to come over for dinner every once in a while, have a small family get-together, or ask if you can come by and visit them once their place is decorated and done. Being supportive is also good, support them in their decision, try and help them out, and let them know you're there. The worst thing to do is start arguing because you don't want them to move, forcing them to stay is a bad decision and will most likely result in them wanting to lose a bit of contact, harsh but true.
If it's their first time moving out, it's quite common for them to drop back at least once before fully moving out and standing on their own two feet. But let them know that you're there and willing to help out with anything if they need something.
Something that can help you out some, is starting a hobby if you have the time, not sure if you got a job or not, but work, distract your mind a bit.
Hope I could help some?
Also welcome to ChristanChat!
A
Scary thought. An old friend of mine felt the same way when her oldest daughter went to college. She missed babies. So, she and hubby had a couple more!
On the other side of that coin, my parents made plans right in front of us on how they would celebrate us leaving them. (Nah, didn't really make me angry. They told us as far back as I could remember that either we graduate high school, and then have three months to find a job and move out, or we go on to college, and then have another 4 years to move out. There was no give on if might no graduate high school on time, (if we didn't, then we move out, get a job, and finish high school the next year on our own. And we couldn't change majors in college unless we paid for our own schooling after 8 semesters. They really wanted to make sure we were ready to take on our own responsibilities. lol)
How do I handle change? I usually put it in our change jar. (haha)
Nah, really I tend to have a hissy fit until God tells me to put on my big girl pants and remember to trust him again. I hate it, but there really isn't any choice.
On the other side of that coin, my parents made plans right in front of us on how they would celebrate us leaving them.
(Nah, didn't really make me angry. They told us as far back as I could remember that either we graduate high school, and then have three months to find a job and move out, or we go on to college, and then have another 4 years to move out. There was no give on if might no graduate high school on time, (if we didn't, then we move out, get a job, and finish high school the next year on our own. And we couldn't change majors in college unless we paid for our own schooling after 8 semesters. They really wanted to make sure we were ready to take on our own responsibilities. lol)How do I handle change? I usually put it in our change jar. (haha)
Nah, really I tend to have a hissy fit until God tells me to put on my big girl pants and remember to trust him again. I hate it, but there really isn't any choice.
Change happens all the time in life it seems. Most of the time, we just don't "handle" it - we slowly accept what is, and make the best of it.
Scripture calls changes "seasons of..." Your season of raising children is over now. Now pray for the wisdom of discerning the next season in your life. Slowly read Ecclesiastics chapter on seasons again, listening for what the Lord might be directing you to do. You will find it is a "time for" something - so many things in that chapter.
Another thought - if you miss having your children little again, why not try foster parenting?
Also, don't forget - before you know it your children will bring you a whole new generation of little ones to care for.
Scripture calls changes "seasons of..." Your season of raising children is over now. Now pray for the wisdom of discerning the next season in your life. Slowly read Ecclesiastics chapter on seasons again, listening for what the Lord might be directing you to do. You will find it is a "time for" something - so many things in that chapter.
Another thought - if you miss having your children little again, why not try foster parenting?
Also, don't forget - before you know it your children will bring you a whole new generation of little ones to care for.
Hi, I can kind of relate. My kids were taken from me (marital disintegration), and I have missed the last couple years of their at-home time. My daughter just graduated high school, and my son is a bit younger. It was a sudden and unwilling empty nest. I still miss them, of course.
What helped me with the whole situation is the realization that my kids can't give me life, and their absence doesn't take it away. Only Jesus can do those things. The rest is just emotions, and Jesus can help us deal with those too... He has for me.
Blessings,
Dino
What helped me with the whole situation is the realization that my kids can't give me life, and their absence doesn't take it away. Only Jesus can do those things. The rest is just emotions, and Jesus can help us deal with those too... He has for me.
Blessings,
Dino
The one nice thing about kids growing up, is soon you will have grandchildren.
I had a bit of a depressing break of almost 6 years between when the last child left home and the first grandchild arrived. I used that time to get my Master of Divinity. It was my daughter, the youngest, who helped me answer that call of God.
Perhaps you might find some activities that interest you, to keep you busy till those grandchildren arrive. And what Joidevivre said!
I had a bit of a depressing break of almost 6 years between when the last child left home and the first grandchild arrived. I used that time to get my Master of Divinity. It was my daughter, the youngest, who helped me answer that call of God.
Perhaps you might find some activities that interest you, to keep you busy till those grandchildren arrive. And what Joidevivre said!