Sending a child to college reshapes more than logistics; it reshapes identity, rhythm, and the felt sense of home. Even when we’re thrilled for them, the quiet can land with a thud. Our brains love routine—meals at certain times, familiar conversations, the sound of a door closing at night. When the rhythm changes, the nervous system notices. That’s why you might feel proud in the morning, restless by noon, and unexpectedly teary at bedtime. That mix isn’t an inconsistency; it’s an adjustment.
There is no single “right” experience. One parent may sigh with relief as the pace slows. Another may ache at the empty chair—most move between these poles, sometimes in the same afternoon. Your experience is valid exactly as it is.
The invitation isn’t to push through but to move through: name what’s here, honor it, and allow space for a new chapter to take shape—for your child and for you.
Sending joy,
Jill

#soulspotmedicine#wearenature#emptynest

New on Money Sense!🎙️
Heather Deaton, CFP®, CSRIC®, and corporate wellness consultant Jill Butterfield, MS, ATRL-BC, discuss how parents can embrace the empty nest phase.