In the beginning, you probably won’t be able to recognize the feeling of becoming an empty nester. It creates a shift in your lifestyle, and it’s normal to feel a bit emotional and sad. You might start wondering who you are or start feeling like you’ve lost a part of yourself.

This is when you might start questioning your identity or purpose. All these thoughts can often lead to depression and anxiety. If you’re experiencing these mixed emotions, it’s okay to seek some help and comforting words. Here’s some advice you can follow.

Since your children can take care of themselves now, it’s time to reflect on your life and think about the opportunities ahead. Think about dreams you want to accomplish and focus on them. You can take a trip, learn a new language, or even start a new career. Choose whatever makes you happy and go for it.

Before having kids, you must have had some hobbies that you enjoyed doing. Take the situation as an opportunity to continue where you left off. Whether it’s your favorite sport, painting, or reading, you deserve this time all to yourself.

Reflecting on your years as a parent might help you be more positive about the empty nester feelings. Think about the wonderful children you’ve raised and be thankful that they’re able to take care of themselves. You’ve done a good job raising them, and now it’s time to take on a new adventure.

When you and your partner have children, it’s normal for the spark to disappear between you two. Now it’s the time to plan your dream vacation or go on dates again. Even if you’re single, you can still enjoy the company of others, knowing that you’ve done more than enough for your kids.

If you still find it hard to overcome the feeling of becoming an empty nester, it’s perfectly fine to seek professional help and support. Talk to a specialist about your thoughts and concerns, and they will help you cope with all the emotions.

Being sad about your children moving out is completely normal, but by focusing on the things within your control, you can find ways to embrace your “empty nest” and work on your individual identity again.

Kayla Sullivan, a former news reporter, has found a unique way to blend her passion for TV reporting with her parenting journey. Through her viral KID-ding With Kayla segments on WISH-TV and social media content, she shares everyday parenting situations with a hilarious and relatable twist. Her ‘mom reports’ provide laughter and support to fellow parents. Delve into her inspiring story and redefined work-life balance while keeping it real with her ‘reel news’ for parents.

Working as a news reporter, Sullivan faced the challenge of balancing her career with precious time with her son. Realizing that TV journalism often came with long hours and a lack of flexibility, she decided to step away from her dream job and explore other avenues. Leaving behind her reporting career, she embraced public relations but couldn’t resist storytelling. It led her to create her first ‘mom report’ on social media, documenting her son’s diaper change.

Kayla’s ‘reel news’ captured the attention of millions worldwide. Her humorous take on everyday parenting experiences made parents relate to her, turning her Instagram and TikTok profiles into a supportive community. Inspired by her four-year-old son Allan, she shares heartwarming and funny moments of parenthood. Sullivan says she feels fortunate to have these memories on camera and hopes they will be cherished for years to come.

Combining her two biggest passions – TV reporting and parenting – Kayla Sullivan pitched her KID-ing With Kayla segment to WISH-TV. Her refreshing approach of ‘reel news’ resonated with the viewers. Embracing her role as a single mother, she emphasizes the importance of pursuing a job that aligns with parenting needs, even if they may be rare. As her videos continue to captivate audiences, the mom dreams of expanding her segment into a TV show.

Since Kayla Sullivan is in the trenches and everyone is loving and relating to her content, she shares that her best piece of advice for parents, regardless of their child’s age or stage, is to find humor in the challenges of parenthood. Embracing imperfection and acknowledging there’s no such thing as a perfect parent, can bring laughter and relief amidst tough moments. She reassures all parents that no one has it all figured out. Her light-hearted and relatable ‘reel news’ reminds us that, in the end, we are all just doing our best.