127- Empty Nest, Full Life : How to Prepare and Reconnect After the Kid-Glue Is Gone with Clancy and Rick Denton

Join host Jennifer Bosma on the Front Parking Spot podcast as she talks with Rick and Clancy Denton of The Loud Quiet about the joyful—and sometimes awkward—transition into the empty nest. Jennifer introduces the Dentons, empty nesters who launched their own podcast after their daughter left for college and now share candid stories about reconnecting as a couple, embracing new adventures, and building community in this vibrant season of life. In this episode, they cover practical parenting wisdom for every stage: how to be honest with your children at their level (from questions about babies to Santa), the art of parenting from a distance as kids head to college and shifting your role from director to coach by asking more questions and offering guidance without taking over. They share a real freshman-roommate challenge that illustrates when to step back, when to offer ideas, and how trust built earlier makes tough conversations possible. The conversation also includes concrete advice for young parents—don’t pull away too early, invest in your teenagers while you still have them at home, and give kids enough freedom to learn from mistakes without causing permanent harm. For parents with college-age or returned adult children, the Dentons emphasize setting clear expectations and boundaries when kids come home and negotiating a respectful rhythm for household life. For empty-nesters, Rick and Clancy stress intentionality: create new community (they started an Empty Nest Life Group), say “yes” to new experiences (travel, classes, activities), revive hobbies you enjoyed as a couple, schedule regular date nights, and dream together about the future. Their encouragement to model a joyful marriage and remain intentional about connection is woven throughout the episode. Guests’ resources: find Rick and Clancy’s podcast and community at theloudquiet.com and their new book on Amazon. Tune in for heartfelt stories, practical tips, and a faith-centered perspective on parenting, marriage, and embracing the next chapter. Podcast website (episodes, contact us, book community): https://www.theloudquiet.com/ Amazon book link: https://amzn.to/3ZHauc4   Clancy's Instagram: clancye74 Christian children's books for all kids! — Jennifer Bosma Follow Jennifer on Instagram @frontparkingspot Have you been trying to explain the Trinity to the little ones in your life? Order Jennifer's newest book, God is Three in One. Are you in need of a thoughtful gift for the next baby shower? Consider a copy of Jennifer's book, I Know the Plans. Its engaging storytelling and Christian values make it a perfect choice for the 'bring a book instead of a card' request. Do you have a child waiting for a sibling to join the family? Order The Baby Garden Christian children's books for all kids! — Jennifer Bosma Your reviews on Apple Podcasts are invaluable! They help us improve and reach more moms interested in Christian children's books and podcasts. Scroll all the way down to 'Leave a Review' written in purple at the bottom of the page to share your thoughts. Subscribe to Jennifer's website at www.jenniferbosma.com Thanks, Moms, for listening. Please share with others! Have an Ephesians 3:20 day as you go for the Front Parking Spot in your life today!