As children prepare to leave the family nest, parents must prepare for a new emotional chapter, one marked by both quiet relief and a surprising sense of loss.

Experts say the transition from full-time parenting to an empty nest can unsettle even the most stable marriages, prompting parents to rediscover each other outside their familiar caregiving roles.

Stacy Weadick from Indiana Wesleyan University, describes this as: “transitional grief,” a phase when the departure of children brings about not only sadness but also the opportunity for couples to reconnect. She advises parents to recognise their feelings of loss, while also celebrating the growing independence of their adult children.

Left unaddressed, the absence of daily family routines can cause marriages to drift, but intentional actions such as weekly date nights or exploring long-neglected shared dreams can help restore intimacy.

Weadick highlights that some couples may uncover old disagreements or unexpected distance as routines change. She encourages seeking professional support when needed, noting that couples counselling is an investment in the future wellbeing of both partners and the broader family. For many, the empty nest phase can also become a time to rediscover purpose outside parenting, with suggestions ranging from volunteering and travel to mentoring others.

Experts emphasise that those still raising teenagers should begin nurturing their marriage and personal interests early, ensuring the transition to an empty nest feels like a natural evolution rather than a sudden loss. With intention, the next chapter can become a season of growth and renewed connection.