What is the BEST and WORST part of being an empty nester?

[Kim Williams]

Hi Everyone,
The Best part of being an empty nester for me is LESS LAUNDRY!! The WORST part is missing my daughter and having to say good-byes each time she goes back to school.
I have a feeling I am going to get a lot of funny replies and maybe a few that should be rated PG. LOL!!!!

[Debbie and Thomas]

The best is the PEACE AND QUIET, and the time we have to devote to our dog. The worst is the PEACE AND QUIET. I miss the commotion sometimes but then they come home and I miss the PEACE AND QUIET. I am so confused!!!

[1i86r4x3nftnw]

I know how that feels I have 2 girls who have left the nest one has moved away and the other just appears usually when she wants something my hubby and I are enjoying getting to know each other again and the changes in grocery bills and being able to do what we want to do but I miss them heaps I love it when they come and visit we get to do great things together but I enjoy the quiet times with my doods

[Adrianne Matzkin]

I love the fact that we have the time to work with Samantha and the time to enjoy her like we never had with our furkids. I can plan to go to RAW's in 3 different states and not have to worry about carpooling or who needs me to be there for whom, what time and how long. BUT I do miss the hectic life we had when our girls were still living home. The carpooling, who needs me to be where, what time and how long. Funny how you can miss what you love about not having to worry about.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Debbie and Adrianne really nailed it. Boy, do we love the peace and quiet and, boy, do we hate it.
We were known as that group called hover parents - always hovering around and making things perfect for the kids. Our kids were super-involved in sports, especially our boys who are 8 years apart. We have been running to bike races, swim meets and water polo games for 20 years!!! We have been around the country - always the parent volunteers, while they competed. We actually don't know what to do with ourselves half of the time. Three of our four kids are now into "bouldering" which is rock climbing and now we get invited to watch and take pictures of this! Love it! but when we all get together - and with the dogs, it gets pretty hectic and we yearn for the peace and quiet again.

[Debbie and Thomas]

You are so right. Our sons were athletes as well. Hockey all winter and they both played at a very high level and then lacrosse all summer-then university hockey and lacrosse. One of the boys went to U of Hartford and we live in Toronto. We drove 8 hrs every weekend to watch him play during the season. Now that is all over and I really do miss it sometimes, but it is nice to be at home with our dog and give him the attention he needs.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Part of the best part is being able to make plans for myself and not have to worry that I am supposed to be somewhere else for someone. I am finally able to do things for myself - when I want or need to. Part of the worst part, not having the extra drivers around to the errands I hate to do!! I didn't realize it at the time how much my girls helped me. I guess I took it for granted at the time. If I had the 'extra' cash, I would hire a 'Mommy's helper' to do all the marketing, etc that I just hate to do.

[Kim Williams]

You guys are nailing it!!! I do love and hate the peace and quiet. I do miss the Drama!!

[Susan, Zeke. Lily & Jasper]

For DH the best is being able to sit in the living room in his underwear (being the parents of daughters, he never knew when friends would drop by). The best I thought for the both of us was to have a little more money to play with but this has not panned out because with 6 grandchildren there are lot of presents (there are so many cute things for little girls especially). The worst is that our older daughter lives 1200 miles away with 4 of our grandchildren and we get to see them only twice a year. But this can count as a best too because it forces DH to travel! We've been to places we never would have seen otherwise. I love the quiet most of the time but with 2 doodles I'm as busy as ever. Potty, walk, feed, potty, play, potty, potty, potty.

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

I totally agree with the peace and quiet. I love it and I hate it. We were hover parents too and I do miss it.
Yesterday, my daughter and two of her high school friends were over with their little ones. I loved it. Also glad tehy aren't here pernanently!

[Adrianne Matzkin]

The worst part of being an Empty Nester is when the kids come for a week and leave! The house may be clean, no extra coats, scarfs, laundry, dishes, dog bowls, toys or beds to trip over - but the house is SO EMPTY!!

[Kim Williams]

I AGREE!! It is like someone let the air out of the balloon at my house. So quiet. Thank goodness for our doodles!

[Carol and Banjo]

hmmmmm.....we love the option of having ice cream for dinner and not feeling one bit irresponsible!