Empty Nest, New Beginnings; A Guide for Parents of College-Bound Kids

It’s always remarkable how quickly this time of year comes around. School sales are everywhere, and the focus shifts from beach vacations to preparing for fall routines.

For kids heading off to college, it’s a mix of excitement and nerves. But what about the parents? Whether it’s your oldest leaving the nest or your youngest, this is a monumental season in a parent’s life.

How many of us went straight from getting married to raising children without truly discovering who we are? Many parents have been building their families since early adulthood. Some worked full-time, while others chose to stay home, homeschool, or juggle part-time jobs while managing the household.

Now, in your 40s or beyond, you may find yourself asking, What’s next? Perhaps you’re wondering what God has planned for this next chapter of your life now that your role at home feels less central. For some, this transition can feel daunting—maybe even terrifying.

But here’s the good news: there are answers to these questions. The key lies in aligning with God and His Word while seeking clarity about the person He created you to be.

Proverbs 19:21 reminds us:"Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails."

This transitional time, though uncertain, is an invitation. I always encourage my clients to embrace it with excitement because God is at work in ways you cannot yet see or imagine. This season offers a profound opportunity to deepen your relationship with Him. Through that relationship, you’ll uncover the missing pieces—your spiritual gifts, core values, belief systems, and unique wiring that you might never have fully understood before.

Is it time to establish new goals that align with the future God has laid out for you? That’s not always as easy as it sounds. Many of us need guidance and support to establish those goals and rewrite parts of our lives.

When you were younger, building your family and navigating the busyness of life, there likely wasn’t time to explore the intricacies that make you you. But now, if you intentionally seek Him, and maybe get support during this time of uncertainty, you can transform this time into a season of growth, fulfillment, and purpose beyond what you can imagine.

God is waiting to reveal those answers to you. Maybe that time is now.