What is life like after the kids are grown?

r/

I’m in my late 30s and my 15 year old is starting 10th grade this year. I’ve started to wonder what the household dynamic will be when he graduates high school and he’s not a child anymore. (I mean this in terms of not needing the same daily care that a minor needs).

I’m looking for examples of experiences of other women who have transitioned from having young kids to young adults. Did you have more time for yourself?

Life has been so demanding in general and with a career change I had two years ago (going from physical work to office work), I’ve gained a little weight. What’s it like getting back into shape in your 40’s? It’s so hard to have enough time in the day to also exercise right now, but I’m confident I’ll work my way into better shape when time allows it.

Comments

  1. marvin32002 Avatar

    It was just me and my son at home and the first year of him being at college was one of the best years of my life. I got in the best shape, did the most things for me, and had an incredible social life. I didn’t want a partner I was so content with “me”.

    Enjoy all of the lasts at home while you have him, even the terrible teen moments. But then enjoy all of your firsts that you get for yourself!

    (I did cry like a fool after I dropped him off. First week was weird. By the next weekend it was glorious. Imagine putting the best leftovers in the fridge and when you go to eat them, it’s still there even though you are certain they are gone.)

  2. plastic_venus Avatar

    My son is 22 (I’m 42) and going to uni and living at home. Honestly it’s excellent – it’s basically like having a housemate I really like and get along with. I had a medical procedure today and got home to food cooking and the washing done and someone talking to me about the scary video game they’re playing.

    I do have more time for myself which is nice but when he and his girlfriend went overseas for a month recently I was also glad to have them back. Obviously different people have different relationships with their kids/parents but this period of our lives has been one of my favourites.