75 Best Empty Nest Quotes: When Kids Fly the Coop

Are you facing the bittersweet reality of an empty nest? The empty nest phase of life brings a mix of emotions, from nostalgia and sadness to excitement and anticipation.

It’s a time of transition and adjustment for parents as their children venture out into the world. 

But fear not! In this article, I’ve gathered a collection of inspiring empty nest quotes that will uplift your spirits, provide comfort, ignite a sense of hope, and bring a smile to your face.

These quotes capture the essence of the empty nest experience, offering wisdom, humor, and encouragement as you navigate this new chapter of life.

So, sit back, relax, and let these empty nest quotes resonate, reminding you that you’re not alone in this journey.

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When the Kids Fly the Coop: Exploring Empty-Nest Syndrome

Ah, the empty nest syndrome. 

It’s a term you might have heard before, but what does it mean? 

Well, imagine this: After years of love, care, and countless memories, the time has come for your children to leave home and embark on their own independent journeys.

That’s when the empty nest syndrome comes knocking at your door.

Empty-nest syndrome refers to the mix of emotions that parents experience when their children move out of the family home.

It’s a bittersweet time, filled with a whirlwind of feelings ranging from sadness and nostalgia to excitement and pride. 

As parents, we invest so much of ourselves in raising our children that when they spread their wings and fly away, it can leave a void in our lives.

But here’s the thing, empty nest syndrome isn’t all doom and gloom.

It’s also an opportunity for parents to rediscover themselves and embrace the next chapter of life.

While it may take time to adapt, viewing this phase as a chance for personal growth and newfound freedom is essential.

Life has a funny way of showing us that change can be challenging and beautiful. In these moments, when we feel a void, we can rediscover ourselves and embrace new adventures.

So, my advice to all the parents facing an empty nest is this: Let go of what was and embrace what can be. 

​Best Inspirational + Funny Empty Nest Quotes

“Your children may have flown away, but the love and memories you’ve shared will always be with you. And remember, this isn’t the end of your story; it’s just the beginning of a new chapter. So, go out there and create a life that makes you proud!” -Dr. Harry Weston (the TV Show Empty Nest)

“The best thing about the empty nest? You finally have the chance to rediscover yourself and pursue your own dreams. It’s like getting a second chance at life, but this time, you get to be the leading lady or gentleman. Embrace the silence, fill it with laughter, and let the empty rooms become a canvas for your own colorful adventures.” -Dorothy Parker

“There are two lasting bequests we can give our children. One is roots. The other is wings.” -Hodding Carter, Jr.

“The empty nest is not an ending, but a new beginning—a chance for parents to rediscover themselves and embark on their own individual journeys of self-discovery and growth.” -Carl Jung

“The empty nest is a reminder that our children are not ours to possess, but to nurture and set free. It is in their independence that we find the true measure of our success as parents.” -Albert Einstein

“The empty nest is like a blank canvas—a chance to reinvent yourself, explore new passions, and embrace the freedom to focus on your own dreams and aspirations.” -Michelle Pfeiffer

“The empty nest is a milestone that represents the success of our parenting journey. It’s a time for reflection, celebration, and anticipation of the amazing things our children will achieve as they spread their wings and soar.” -Barack Obama

The art of mothering is to teach the art of living.” — Elaine Hefner

“I wish I could freeze time or go back in time and watch my kids grow up all over again because it is just going by too fast.” — Robert Rodriquez

“You see much more of your children after they leave home.” — Lucille Ball

“To raise a child, who is comfortable enough to leave you, means you’ve done your job.  They are not ours to keep, but to teach how to soar on their own.”-unknown

“The best way to keep children at home is to make the home atmosphere pleasant and let the air out of the tires.” — Dorothy Parker

“A wise parent humors the desire for independent actions, so as to become the friend and adviser when his absolute rule shall cease.” -Elizabeth Gaskell

“Raising your child well is hard. But learning to let them go out into the world and prove that you did your job right is even tougher.” — J. Craine

“Give the ones you love wings to fly, roots to come back, reasons to stay.” -Dalai Lama

“A mother’s job is to teach her children not to need her anymore.  The hardest part of that job is accepting success.” -unknown

“…I would have let him go one finger at a time, until, without his realizing, he’d be floating without me.  And then I thought, perhaps that is what it means to be a parent — to teach your child to live without you.” -Nicole Krauss

“Sometimes love means LETTING GO when you want to HOLD ON TIGHTER.” -Melissa Marr

“Letting go helps us to live in a more peaceful state of mind and helps restore our balance.  It allows others to be responsible for themselves and for us to take our hands off situations that do not belong to us. -Melody Beatle

“Letting go does not mean not caring about things.  It means caring about them in a flexible way.” -Jack Kornfield

“You will never achieve what you are capable of if you’re too attached to things you’re supposed to let go of.” -unknown

Having kids – the responsibility of rearing good, kind, ethical, responsible human beings – is the biggest job anyone can embark on. As with any risk, you have to take a leap of faith and ask lots of wonderful people for their help and guidance. I thank God every day for giving me the opportunity to parent”.
-Maria Shriver

“All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother”. -Abraham Lincoln

“Behind every great kid is a mom who’s pretty sure she’s screwing it up”. -Anonymous

“The art of mothering is to teach the art of living”. -Elaine Hefner

“Letting go helps us to to live in a more peaceful state of mind and helps restore our balance. It allows others to be responsible for themselves and for us to take our hands off situations that do not belong to us. This frees us from unnecessary stress”. -Melody Beattie

 “Some people believe holding on and hanging in there are signs of great strength. However, there are times when it takes much more strength to know when to let go and then do it.” -Ann Landers

“Sometimes love means letting go when you want to hold on tighter.” -Melissa Marr

 “You will never achieve what you are capable of if you are too attached to the things you need to let go of.” -Unknown

 “Letting go does not mean not caring about things. It means caring about them in a flexible and wise way.” -Jack Kornfield

“To raise a child who is comfortable enough to leave you means you’ve done your job. They are not ours to keep but to teach how to soar on their own. -Author Unknown

Funny Empty Nest Quotes

“Adolescence is perhaps nature’s way of preparing parents to welcome the empty nest.” -Karen Savage and Patricia Adams

“You see much more of your children after they leave home.” -Lucille Ball

Quotes About Parenting As An Empty Nester / Child Leaving the Nest Quotes

“Give the ones you love wings to fly, roots to come back and reasons to stay.” -The Dalai Lama

“A wise parent humors the desire for independent action, so as to become the friend and advisor when his absolute rule shall cease.” -Elizabeth Gaskell

“It is not what you do for your children, but what you have taught them to do for themselves, that will make them successful human beings.” -Ann Landers

“When mothers talk about the depression of the empty nest, they’re not mourning the passing of all those wet towels on the floor or the music that numbs your teeth, or even the bottle of capless shampoo dribbling down the shower drain. They’re upset because they’ve gone from supervisor of a child’s life to a spectator. It’s like being the vice president of the United States.” -Erma Bombeck.

“I wish I could freeze time or go back in time and watch my kids grow up all over again because it is just going by too fast.” -Robert Rodriquez

“A wise parent humors the desire for independent action, to become the friend and advisor when his absolute rule shall cease.”-Elizabeth Gaskell

“The ‘empty nest’ comes quickly. Do not squander your most precious privilege of participating in the lives of your children.”-Unknown

Parenthood is filled with joy, love, and laughter. When children leave home, it doesn’t mean the laughter has to stop. Here are some humorous quotes about the empty nest that will put a smile on your face:

“The best way to keep children at home is to make the home atmosphere pleasant and let the air out of the tires.”― Dorothy Parker

“An empty nest is a parent’s reward for all the sleepless nights, dirty diapers, and teenage drama.”

“The good news about the empty nest? No more stepping on Legos!”

“My house is so quiet now that my dog’s snoring has become the background music.”

“Remember when our house was filled with noise? Now it’s filled with peace and quiet…and a touch of loneliness.”

“I miss the chaos of a full house, but I can’t deny the luxury of having the bathroom all to myself.”

Positive Quotes for Empty Nesters

“Your child’s life will be filled with fresh experiences. It’s good if yours is as well.” -Dr. Margaret Rutherford

“The biggest change for me as a mom was realizing I needed to put someone else before me. Now the hardest part about the empty nest is learning to put myself first.” -Kim Alexis.

 “It’s not only children who grow. Parents do, too. As much as we watch to see what our children do with their lives, they are watching us to see what we do with ours. I can’t tell my children to reach for the sun. All I can do is reach for it, myself.” -Joyce Maynard.

“As a parent, you quickly realize that life is one long series of letting go: watching your kid crawl, then walk, then run, and then drive away.” — Deborah Mitchell.

“Contrary to all we hear about women and their empty-nest problem, it may be fathers more often than mothers who are pained by the children’s imminent or actual departure–fathers who want to hold back the clock, to keep the children in the home for just a little longer. Repeatedly women compare their own relief to their husband’s distress.” — Lillian B. Rubin.

“Mothers hold their children’s hands for a short while, but their hearts forever”. -Anonymous

“A mother’s job is to teach her children not to need her anymore. The hardest part of that job is accepting success.” -Unknown.

“There are two times when parenting is the most difficult. When the baby first arrives at home, and when the adult first leaves home”. -Jennifer Quinn

“Nothing you do for your children is ever wasted.” -Garrison Keillor

The mother-child relationship is paradoxical and, in a sense, tragic. It requires the most intense love on the mother’s side, yet this very love must help the child grow away from the mother and to become fully independent. -Erich Fromm

I think the hardest thing for a mother is to make it possible for a child to be independent and at the same time let the child know how much you love her, how much you want to take care of her, and yet how truly essential it is for her to fly on her own.” — Madeleine Albright

Inspirational Quotes Empty Nest Quotes

“Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.” – Elizabeth Stone

“The letting go is never easy. But sometimes, it’s necessary for both parent and child to grow.” – Unknown

“Your children need your presence more than your presents.” – Jesse Jackson.

“The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.” – Theodore Hesburgh.

“The beauty of independence, departure, actions that rely on themselves.” – Walt Whitman

“Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself. They come through you but not from you, and though they are with you yet they belong not to you.” – Kahlil Gibran.

“To understand your parents’ love, you must raise children yourself.” – Chinese Proverb.

“It’s not only children who grow. Parents do too. As much as we watch to see what our children do with their lives, they are watching us to see what we do with ours. I can’t tell my children to reach for the sun. All I can do is reach for it myself.” – Joyce Maynard.

“Parenting is not about perfecting our children, but about perfecting ourselves.” – Wayne Dyer.

“The best way to make children good is to make them happy.” – Oscar Wilde

“Your children are the greatest gift God will give to you and their souls the heaviest responsibility He will place in your hands. Take time with them, teach them to have faith in God. Be a person in whom they can have faith. When you are old, nothing else you’ve done will have mattered as much.” – Lisa Wingate

Navigating the Empty Nest: Tips for Empty Nest Parents

Adjusting to an empty nest can be challenging but also an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery.

Tips to help parents navigate this new phase of life:

Staying Connected with Adult Children

• Establish open lines of communication and maintain regular contact with your children.
• Plan family gatherings and create new traditions to strengthen your bond.

Finding New Hobbies and Interests

• Rediscover old passions or explore new ones.
• Engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment.

Related: Hobbies for Women Over 50

Seeking Support from Friends and Community

• Connect with other parents experiencing the empty nest syndrome.
• Join support groups or engage in community activities to find companionship and understanding.

Related: How to Make New Friends in Your 50s

Focus on Self-care

Focusing on self-care is a wonderful way to deal with empty nest syndrome, as it allows parents to nurture their well-being and find balance during this transitional phase.

Taking care of oneself promotes emotional healing and helps parents embrace the newfound freedom and opportunities that the empty nest brings.

Ideas to start practicing self-care:

Journaling: Grab a journal and pen to express your thoughts and emotions freely. Write about your experiences, feelings, and aspirations during this new phase of life. Journaling can be therapeutic, helping you gain clarity and release any pent-up emotions.

Practicing Gratitude: Take a moment each day to reflect on the things you’re grateful for. Cultivating a gratitude practice can shift your focus to the positive aspects of life, fostering a sense of contentment and joy.

Related: How to Cultivate Gratitude Daily

Engaging in Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness by being fully present in the moment. Whether through meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply savoring a cup of tea, mindfulness can reduce stress and increase overall well-being.

FAQs: Funny and Inspirational Empty Nest Quotes

Q: What is empty nest syndrome?

Empty nest syndrome is parents’ emotional response when their children leave home and become independent adults.

It involves feelings of sadness, nostalgia, and even purposelessness. While a natural part of parenting, it can be challenging.

However, it also offers opportunities for personal growth and renewed relationships. Support from loved ones and staying connected with adult children can help parents navigate this transition.

Q: What is premature empty nest syndrome?

Premature empty nest syndrome occurs when parents experience the emotions associated with an empty nest sooner than expected. It happens when children start to play leaving home for reasons like pursuing higher education, career opportunities, or other personal circumstances.

Even though parents may feel proud of their children’s achievements, they can also experience a sense of loss and struggle to cope with the sudden change. 

Premature empty nest syndrome can bring mixed emotions as parents adjust to the unexpected void left behind by their departing children.

Q: Do you have book recommendations about empty nest syndrome?

A: Yes! Some wonderful reads capture the emotions and experiences of parents navigating the empty nest:

“The Empty Nest: 31 Parents Tell the Truth About Relationships, Love, and Freedom After the Kids Fly the Coop” by Karen Stabiner: This book features candid interviews with parents who have experienced the empty nest, offering a diverse range of perspectives and reflections on this life transition.

“Finding Joy in the Empty Nest: Discover Purpose and Passion in the Next Phase of Life” by Jim Burns is the perfect companion for parents entering the empty nest phase.

With warmth and practical advice, Burns guides us to embrace this new beginning, discover our passions, and find joy beyond parenting. It’s

“Empty Nest: How to Survive and Stay Close to Your Adult Child” by Celia Dodd is a must-read for parents experiencing the empty nest phase. With warmth and understanding, Dodd guides readers through the emotions and changes that come with children leaving home.

The book offers practical tips on staying connected and building meaningful relationships with adult children.

Conclusion: Best Empty Nest Quotes

In conclusion, empty nest quotes can provide comfort, encouragement, and wisdom to parents experiencing this significant life transition.

The empty nest is not an end but a new beginning—a chance to soar, thrive, and create a life that brings us fulfillment and happiness. (and enjoy all of your newfound free time!)

This phase is a stepping stone to discovering the beauty in the next stage of life.

Enjoy the journey!

XO, Christine