The empty nest phase is a huge transition — full of emotions, challenges, and new opportunities. Whether you’re bracing yourself for your child leaving for university or looking forward to newfound freedom, this bonus episode offers guidance and support to help you prepare before they go.

Join hosts Liz and Michelle as they speak with experts and parents who’ve been through it, sharing honest advice for navigating this big change. Dr Dominique Thompson, award-winning GP and mental health expert, offers insights into managing this emotional shift. Victoria Bagnall, co-founder of Connections in Mind, talks about stepping back and allowing young adults to gain independence.

We also discuss critical conversations every parent should have with their teen before college: the three S’s (sextortion, drink spiking, and sexual consent), communication expectations, and the three M’s (mental health, medical power of attorney, and meningitis) — with voices from Roxy Longworth, Suzanne Baum, and Michelle Bresnahan.

For additional support, visit TwoWomenChatting.com for blogs, resources, checklists, and downloadable PDFs.

This episode is Part 1 of a two-part bonus series. Look out for Part 2: Once They’ve Gone.

🔑 Key Topics:

🎤 Preparing for the empty nest: emotional & practical tips

🎤 Managing disappointment: when university plans don’t go as hoped

🎤 Parenting teens through the school-to-university transition

🎤 The three S’s: sextortion, drink spiking, sexual consent

🎤 Setting communication expectations with young adults

🎤 The three M’s: mental health, medical power of attorney, meningitis

🎤 Allowing independence: from “manager” to “consultant” parenting

💬 About the Hosts:

Join Liz and Michelle as they redefine life over 50 as empty nesters, embracing the highs and lows of midlife with celebrity guests and experts. Sharing laughs and real talk on everything from boomerang kids to pro-ageing, travel, and career reinvention — there’s always room for one more on their podcast sofa.

Connect with Us:

🌟 Website: TwoWomenChatting.com

📸 Instagram: @michelleford_twc

🐦 Twitter/X: @ChattingTwo

📘 Facebook: Two Women Chatting

📺 YouTube: TwoWomenChatting

📧 Email: [email protected]

👉 Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and share it with a friend who could use a little midlife magic.

Explore the 'midlife library' at www.twowomenchatting.com

Connect with Michelle at [email protected] for collaborations, ideas, and comments! Remember to rate, review, and share our show to join the laughter-filled conversation about midlife empowerment and beyond...

Follow Michelle on Instagram at @michelleford_twc or Facebook

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