Feeling isolated since the kids grew up

R

Mar 31 min read

My youngest moved out for college last month and I'm struggling more than I thought I would. My identity for the last 18 years has been wrapped up in being a dad and now that role is shifting. I love my kids but suddenly I have all this time and no real sense of purpose. Been spending too much time alone which I know isn't helping my mood. Anyone else go through this transition? How did you rebuild your identity as your kids got older?

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3 comments174 views

Comments(3)

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CCarlosNew DadMar 4

That empty nest hit different than I expected too. I think a lot of us build our whole identity around being there for them day to day. Give yourself grace while you figure out who you are outside of that routine.

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CCarlosNew DadMar 4

Man, I hear you. When my youngest left I didn't know what to do with myself. The thing that helped was remembering that being a dad doesn't stop, it just changes. You raised him right and now you get to see who he becomes as an adult.

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CChris P.RegularMar 4

This is real and I'm glad you said it out loud. A lot of us go through it but don't talk about it. Your identity as a dad is still there even if he's not under your roof anymore. Different chapter, not the end of the story.

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