Life as an Empty Nester
August 19, 2025 | People in Our Neighborhood
For many of us, much of life is spent as a parent, raising children and building a home. But what happens when the kids leave and begin their own lives? Beth Feinstein and her husband, David, recently became empty nesters, and she shares how their family is navigating this new chapter.
Tell Us About Your Family.
My family consists of my husband, myself, and our two kids: a daughter, age 20, and a son, age 18. My husband typically works from home, but his job also requires a lot of domestic and international travel. I am a sixth and seventh grade social studies teacher. We live in the farm country of Carroll County with two fickle cats and one dog who demands all the attention and snacks.
Where are your kids in school this year?
Unintentionally, both of my kids are at West Virginia University (WVU). Our daughter, now starting her junior year, first chose WVU for its forensics program. After realizing that entomology was not for her, she switched to forensic chemistry and then decided to pursue a degree in chemistry with a minor in biology. Her goal is to attend dental school. Our son moved into the dorms as a freshman and is pursuing engineering. He is considering either a dual major in civil and mining engineering or in petroleum and mechanical engineering.
What is it like for you and your husband now that the kids are both out of the house?
Honestly, there has been a lot of staring at each other and wondering what the kids are doing—ha! We have checked their phone locations more than once this past week to see all the places they are going. Since our daughter has been away at college for a few years already, and our son had such a busy senior year, the shift has not been as dramatic as I expected. Yet it feels different. For twenty years, we have always had a child at home, so it is bound to feel new even if I cannot quite describe how.
Is there one thing you are most excited about now that it is just you, your husband and the pets at home? One thing that is not so exciting?
I am most excited to see where this adventure takes us. I do not want us to just sit at home staring at each other with nothing to do. We hope to take some weekend trips and finish projects around the house. My husband’s work keeps him very busy, and I went back to school at the end of August, so our day-to-day routine has not changed all that much. Still, I am excited to have this time together and reconnect.
My friends who are also new empty nesters and I often joke, “What are we going to talk about?” Yet, it is a real question after years of centering family life around the kids. I think the hardest adjustment will come during the High Holidays. My kids love my homemade chicken soup and brisket, but this year they will be at school. WVU has a small but active Chabad that I hope they will attend. As for us, it will be different hosting holidays with just the two of us. I plan to share Rosh Hashanah dinners with friends since we do not have family nearby.
Has your day-to-day life changed? If so, how?
Not too much. Most of our days revolve around work and school. I do feel more freedom, though, since I can make more evening plans with friends. Grocery shopping has become easier since I do not need to keep up with two teens constantly raiding the pantry. What I do miss are the little moments, like when my son would make a late-night snack and share updates with me.
Do you plan to take on any new projects or hobbies to fill your time?
My goal is to go to the gym more often, declutter and simplify our home—I have already tackled two rooms—and be open to whatever comes my way. I would also love to travel, so I hope a few trips are on the horizon.
Any advice for other new empty nesters?
As much as we want to hold on to these moments, life keeps moving. Our children are starting new chapters and discovering independence. Although I do not feel old enough to be an empty nester, time moves quickly, and here we are. I do not have concrete advice, since this is our first time experiencing this too. Everything feels new. What I am trying to do is appreciate this chapter for what it is and, instead of looking back, focus on the opportunities ahead.
As Beth reminds us, becoming an empty nester is not an ending but a new beginning. It is a chance to reconnect with your partner, rediscover yourself, and embrace opportunities that may have been set aside during the busy parenting years. Ready to explore what this stage can look like for you? Meet with our Next Chapter Connectors and others on the same journey and discover meaningful ways to build community in this new chapter of life.