Navigating the empty nest when your identity has been “mom” for so long

Christine E.

When both of my kids got married and moved out, I didn’t expect the shift to hit so hard. I had been a stay-at-home mom and homeschooled both of them from kindergarten through high school—my world revolved around being their mom. Suddenly, the house was quiet and I was alone with myself in a way I hadn’t been in decades. It felt earth-shattering, like I had lost a piece of who I was. I found myself wondering what came next and if I even knew who I was outside of motherhood. I still live with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and ADHD, and this new stage of life added another layer of complexity to my mental health journey. But I also saw it as a chance to rediscover myself. I became a Certified Peer Support Specialist because I wanted to turn my pain into purpose. I know what it’s like to sit in the quiet and not know where to begin again—and I also know it’s possible to find a new sense of self on the other side. If you're in this transition too, I’d love to talk.

Parenting, identity, and life transitions

Jodi H.

Coming out at 28 and building a life with a same-sex partner took courage, patience, and a deep sense of purpose. Over three decades later, that partnership is still going strong—with two grown children, a loving home, and a lot of wisdom gained along the way. With 25 years as a school counselor, there’s firsthand insight into the challenges people face around identity, parenting, family conflict, loss, and the big transitions that define us—like becoming a parent, starting a career, or retiring. This is someone who understands what it means to raise children in a non-traditional family, to help others navigate their coming-out journeys, and to walk beside people as they step into new phases of life. Whether you're trying to build a life that reflects who you are, support your kids through change, or simply find your footing again, you're not alone.

Navigating the ups and downs of parenting through all stages

Kathy G.

I’ve spent years as a mother of three adult children and grandmother to three beautiful grandkids. From managing my husband’s chronic health challenges to guiding my kids through their own personal struggles, bullying, and the tough transitions of school, I’ve been through the full spectrum of parenting experiences. Balancing being both a part-time working parent and a full-time mom, I’ve learned how to be present while also finding time for myself. The hardest part of parenting has been learning to let go as my kids grew up, all while staying deeply connected. Today, we have a close-knit family, and I’ve found that even though they’re adults now, the bond we share continues to be strong. My goal is to offer support and wisdom from the many years of navigating parenting’s tough moments, especially when it comes to transitions, letting go, and staying connected to your children through all the stages of life.

Parenting adult children and LGBTQIA+ parent

Leslie C.

Parenting doesn’t end when children grow up—it transforms. For parents of adult children, especially those who are empty nesters or have LGBTQIA+ children, this phase of life is filled with new challenges and deeper opportunities for connection. This unique stage invites reflection, redefinition of roles, and a renewal of the parent-child relationship grounded in respect, openness, and love. Whether you're adjusting to a quieter home, learning to communicate with your adult children as equals, or embracing and supporting your LGBTQIA+ child’s authentic identity, this journey can be deeply rewarding. This profile supports parents in building bridges, letting go of control, and nurturing lifelong bonds with compassion and grace.

Healing from codependency and finding self-love

Lindsay H.

Growing up in a home with an alcoholic father and a narcissistic mother, I struggled with anxiety, eating disorders, and codependency. As the oldest of three children, I spent years abandoning myself in search of love and validation from others. Through my healing journey, I learned how to reconnect with and love my inner child. This process involved setting healthy boundaries, addressing buried anger, and practicing self-compassion. As a divorced mother of two grown sons, I have not only navigated the challenges of single parenting but also built a successful business while doing so. Now, as an empty nester, I’m excited to share the wisdom and tools that helped me heal with others. I believe that self-love and self-acceptance are essential to living a fulfilling life, and I’m passionate about helping others discover that love within themselves.

Rediscovering your identity after motherhood

Sami C.

For years, my identity was wrapped up in being “Mom.” I loved raising my two kids—and still do—but I reached a point where I barely recognized myself outside of who I was for them. As they grew more independent and eventually left for college, I had to rediscover what brought me joy, what dreams I had set aside, and who I was apart from parenting. That journey included grief, growth, and learning to give myself permission to dream again. Now, I help other women reconnect with their passions, purpose, and confidence—even while still being great moms.

Strategies for dealing with toxic adult children

Sandy P.

I have two adult children, both approaching retirement age, who still blame and resent me as a mother. The younger son cut me off in 2003; contact with the older son is often unsatisfying. The former I've come to accept; with the latter, I continue to have hope. For years, I felt sad and envious of the relationships my friends had with their children. I thought if I just said it this way or didn't do that that we'd progress. I listened and listened and listened to abusive tirades thinking sooner or later he'd "run out of steam!" It only got worse. Now, while I understand how they could feel betrayed using the perfect mother model, I no longer accept the perfect mother standard. I finally understood that past mistakes don't define me today. I was being unrealistic in the present. And once I "got it" things improved, and I felt better. The first big step was to stop listening to the complaints and accusations. There are many ways to do that. The one I initially chose was to softly say "I'm going to hang up now" and then gently disconnect! Perhaps shocking, but it worked. Today when the conversation starts to go sideways, we stop, take a breath, and either get back on track or mutually agree to bring it to a close without acrimony. Once I got clear on my boundaries, his behavior improved. It's been a long journey. There are still missteps. But to me it feels like success. I have more tools to work with now. I'm not as angry either. I have hope and a certain feeling of satisfaction. How about you? If you are ready to get off that toxic treadmill, join me for conversation about what you want and the steps to get you there.

Becoming an empty nester

Sunny H.

The summer before my last kid started his Senior Year of high school, I started making plans for my next phase of life. I understood that my parenting role was going to change significantly, my available time would increase, my husband and I would be together much more, and I had an opportunity to be just me again. Nothing goes as planned :) My dad got sick. I took on physical support of my dad (appointments, meals, etc ...) and emotional support of my mom. My kids came home -- ALOT. My parents were our primary daycare, so my kids are especially close to their grandparents. They spent their time visiting hospital rooms. My husband got grouchy. He really missed the kids and due to his own health challenges, couldn't return to his previous interests as easily as I could (softball, playing in a rock band, etc ...) But I was determined to learn about me again and build a future even in present chaos. That included journaling, counseling, reconnecting to friends, taking a class, trying new things, and basically BEING BRAVE !