I Need Empty-Nesters’ Advice (What Would You Do Differently?)

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I am a father.  The father of 2 two-year-old boys.

One of the things I notice from empty-nesters is a noticeable appreciation for things that currently gets on my nerves.  When my child does things that annoy me, I notice empty-nesters laugh it off.  At first I thought it was because it wasn’t their child, but now I’m beginning to believe it’s because they realize that they missed out on something.  They were too busy that they missed it their time around, and now they want to make up for it.

I asked two wise empty-nesters, if you were in my shoes with 2 young boys, what would you have done differently?

Two responses:

  1. “I said ‘no’ way too much.”
  2. “I didn’t slow down enough to spend time with them.”

Those are two responses that have really made me think this week, but I need more.  Calling all empty-nesters: if you could raise your children again, what would you do differently?

16 thoughts on “I Need Empty-Nesters’ Advice (What Would You Do Differently?)”

  1. Pick my "battles" better. Less scheduling and more just hanging out and enjoying each other's company playing together. And definitely live out my faith better in front of them.

  2. Love unconditionally​. Discipline consistently. Slow down and enjoy the wonder of the world as they see it! Do not over schedule … we each and every one need free time … time to "just be" … be amazed at the world, be entertained by ourselves, be visited by God's quiet spirit.

  3. Step up to the plate, all you empty-nesters! Young parents everywhere need your help! If you could raise your children again, what would you do differ

  5. Love unconditionally. Discipline consistently. Slow down and enjoy the wonder of the world as they see it! Do not over schedule … we each and every one need free time … time to "just be" … be amazed at the world, be entertained by ourselves, be visited by God's quiet s

  6. Pick my "battles" better. Less scheduling and more just hanging out and enjoying each other's company playing together. And definitely live out my faith better in front of

  9. Love unconditionally. Discipline consistently. Slow down and enjoy the wonder of the world as they see it! Do not over schedule … we each and every one need free time … time to "just be" … be amazed at the world, be entertained by ourselves, be visited by God's quiet spirit.

  10. Pick my "battles" better. Less scheduling and more just hanging out and enjoying each other's company playing together. And definitely live out my faith better in front of them.

  11. wow, that kinda goes along with Sunday's sermon and forgiving yourself! When you look back and wonder what you could have, should have or would have done differently! I echo what everybody else has already said and want to add communication. I see so many parents on the phone, computer, watching tv, cooking, cleaning, etc……. with a child trying desperately to get there attention. I want to look at them and say 'do you not realize that one day, very soon, that they won't be there to try to vie for your attention'? I could spend a day with you on this

  12. wow, that kinda goes along with Sunday's sermon and forgiving yourself! When you look back and wonder what you could have, should have or would have done differently! I echo what everybody else has already said and want to add communication. I see so many parents on the phone, computer, watching tv, cooking, cleaning, etc……. with a child trying desperately to get there attention. I want to look at them and say 'do you not realize that one day, very soon, that they won't be there to try to vie for your attention'? I could spend a day with you on this topic!

  14. Very emotional subject for parents that has just entered or will soon enter that phase of life! Definately a one-on-one conversation!

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