In this episode, Dr. Kim discusses the emotional complexities of transitioning to an empty nest as her daughter prepares to leave for college. She shares her personal experiences of pride and grief, emphasizing the importance of managing emotions during this significant life change. Dr. Kim offers practical strategies for parents to navigate their feelings while supporting their children, including naming emotions, normalizing feelings, and creating new family rituals. The conversation highlights the duality of joy and sadness in parenting and the potential for new relationships as children gain independence.

Takeaways:

• Navigating the empty nest can evoke mixed emotions.
• It's normal to feel both pride and grief during transitions.
• Naming your emotions helps in processing them.
• Normalizing feelings can create space for self-compassion.
• Pay attention to physical cues of emotions.
• Create self-care activities to fill the void left by children.
• Establish new family rituals to mark transitions.
• Practice emotional regulation techniques like deep breathing.
• Encourage your child's independence while providing support.
• Future visioning can help ease the transition for both parents and children.

Are you the parent of a teen who is starting the transition from High School to College? Are you concerned about how to manage the transition and wonder if you're child will be ready when it's time? If so, Dr. Kim's course, First Semester Formula: Parent Edition, is for you. You can learn more about the course here:

https://stan.store/collegementormom

New episodes every Tuesday!

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Music "Light It Up" courtesy of Ryan James Carr via Epidemic Sound