For example, one of my clients shared that her 8th grade son spent several months eating his lunch in the bathroom when their family moved from one state to another. He didn’t tell her this until many years later, and as she told it to me I could hear the tears and guilt behind her words – even though this young man is now 30 years old.
When you have no children, or your children are fully grown, out of the home, and not involved in the move, you won’t have to be concerned about whether the kids will make friends in the new school system or be quarterback on the new football team.
However, you’ll have different challenges. Many families create their communities from their children. When attending sports games, band concerts or school events, friendships among parents start as quickly as among children. So without children, it can take longer to create a support system in a new location.
I’ve gathered some advice from empty nesting relocators to make it easier to assimilate into your new location:
1) Get involved a local charity like a food bank
2) Start a book club
3) Enroll in a class at a local college
4) Learn something new like yoga or biking
5) Take good care of you by beginning a new self-care program
6) Nourish your marriage by getting involved in activities you could not do if kids were around
7) Travel with friends
Relocating as an empty nester, or for those without children, presents its own unique challenges. Take these steps to build a new supportive community where you and your partner can thrive.
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