What happens when your kid’s wild night out turns into a parent’s unexpected moment of pride? 

In this episode of Parents of the Year, we dig into something deep: What happens to our identity as parents when the kids start growing up and heading out? 

We talk about losing ourselves in parenting, struggling to find hobbies again, and the messy, honest journey of reclaiming who we are outside of being “Mom” or “Dad.” Real stories, real laughs, and some hard-hitting questions about what comes after the parenting hustle. 

Homework Ideas 

Journal Prompts:

•  What parts of “me” have gone quiet, were left behind or put on hold in the parenting years? What would it look like to bring some of those back? 
• When do I feel most like myself?
• What activities or hobbies used to bring me joy before parenting
• What are things I would love to try?
• What have I always said I’d do ‘when I had more time’?
• What do I want the next few years to look and feel like, just for me? 

Couple Chat: With your partner, pick one of the following (or other ideas you have!) then commit to one small thing to try again in the next month. 

•  What (3 things) did we used to love doing together?
• What do we miss (and want to bring back)?
• What’s something new we’ve always talked about trying?

Create a "Next Chapter" Bucket List: Write out 10 things you want to do, learn, or explore for yourself as the kids become more independent. These don’t have to be big—they just have to matter to you. 

Values Check-In: Highlight the 3-5 values that feel most important to you right now. Then write HOW you could live each value more fully. Examples include
 - Connection
 - Growth
 - Adventure
 - Creativity
 - Peace
 - Wellness
 - Contribution
 - Curiosity
 - Fun
 - Autonomy 

Create Your Plan: Using what you’ve written above, fill this in:
  This month, I will…
 This week, I will…
 Today, I can… 

 

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