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From Empty Nest to Freebird.


Midlife is full of transitions from divorce to menopause to changing jobs to seeing your parents pass away. But, one transition that doesn’t get nearly enough attention is having your kids leave home, known as the “Empty Nest” phenomenon. There’s such a wide variety of experiences for parents when this happens depending upon the state of your marriage, whether you’re a single parent or not, your age, how many kids have flown the coop, and how many are likely to come home in their twenties. What’s remarkable is how few academic studies have focused on this particular midlife transition and how few online or in-person courses exist to help midlifers through this life stage.

MEA is honored that Arizona State University (the largest four-year university in the U.S.) reached out to us to create a “Thriving in your Empty Nest Chapter” program for ASU parents with participants across the globe, including small cohort discussions that aim to foster a sense of community among participants and provide invaluable support during this shared life experience.

As ASU suggests in their press release, “From academic advising to counseling to tutoring centers, Arizona State University offers a vast array of support to help new college students settle into campus life. But what about parents? How can a university support their journey as well?” According to the most recent census, 22.5 million empty nesters live in the U.S. And, while only 25% of parents experience the grief of what is known as “empty-nest syndrome,” according to Mindful Health Solutions, most parents still experience some level of shifts in their identity or role, schedule, social groups and meaning-making activities.

Personally, I have to say I’m deeply honored and thrilled with this partnership as well as the other universities that are approaching us. I really appreciate this section of ASU’s press release, “There is a pressing need for lifelong learning, particularly among older adults. Pew Research Center reports that 54% of adults aged 50 to 64 believe they need more education and training to get ahead in their careers. However, most continued education programs focus on upskilling or professional reskilling, rather than the holistic personal development needed. That’s where ASU and MEA come in.”

For those of you who are not ASU parents and can’t take advantage of this new program, take a look at our October 21-26 Santa Fe workshop “Building Your Empty Nest Plan: The Best is Yet to Be” with MEA partner Kari Cardinale (who is leading the ASU program) and our most experienced MEA guest faculty member Barbara Waxman. Yes, it can be painful to feel the empty nest, but one big benefit is that you’re now a “freebird” so celebrate it and learn the steps to maximizing your freedom and minimizing your anxiety. 

-Chip

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