Graduation Season and Entry to the "Empty Nest Club" – How to Embrace This New Chapter

As schools and universities across the UK prepare to celebrate graduation season, thousands of proud parents are getting ready to watch their children walk across the stage and step into the next exciting phase of their lives. It's a time filled with pride, joy, and no small amount of emotion — particularly for parents about to join the "empty nest club."

Between the mortarboards flying and endless photo opportunities, one thing’s for sure: you’ll need waterproof mascara and a stash of tissues tucked into every pocket! Graduations are as much a rite of passage for parents as they are for students.

As the flurry of exams, ceremonies, and farewell parties winds down, the reality of a quieter home sets in. Whether your child is heading to university, embarking on travel adventures, or moving into their first flat, it’s natural to feel a swirl of emotions - pride, sadness, excitement, and even a touch of bewilderment about what to do with the suddenly empty fridge and quiet washing machine (there’s always a silver lining!).

But this new chapter can be hugely positive, offering parents a chance to reconnect with themselves, their relationships, and even forgotten passions.

Here are a few uplifting tips for navigating the empty nest transition:

with my son at his graduation May 2025

Acknowledge Your Feelings

Tears are not only allowed, they’re practically mandatory. Have a good cry, share a laugh with friends, or ugly-sob into your partner’s shoulder - whatever it takes. You’ve earned it.

Reframe the Experience

Rather than focusing on the silence echoing around the house, think of it as your new personal spa retreat - one where you don’t have to share your snacks, queue for the bathroom or track down a dozen mugs and glasses.

Reconnect with Your Partner and Friends

With no sports schedules or midnight taxi services to run, you might rediscover how much fun date nights and spontaneous weekends away can be. Or, you know, just enjoy uninterrupted control of the TV remote.

Stay Connected, but Respect Independence

Resist the urge to track their every move but I’ll admit, knowing they were home or with friends at night (especially my daughters) by a quick check on the Life 360 app helped me sleep better.  Try not to become as addicted as my husband though!

Celebrate Your Success

Graduation isn’t just about them -  it’s about you, too. You've raised a capable, independent human being. That deserves bubbles!

While the idea of an empty nest can feel bittersweet at first, it’s also the start of an exciting new chapter - for you and for them. Embrace it with waterproof mascara, a sense of humour, and an open heart - and you might just find this is your time to soar, too.

For lots of tips on navigating the empty nest check out my website’s midlife library at www.twowomenchatting.com. This article can also be found in Community Life magazine, June 2025 issue.