Entry Level Mom Episode 41: Transition to Empty Nesting with Karen Steinhilber

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, my guest Karen and I discuss the topic of empty nesting, since her son left for college. Karen shares her experience of becoming a mother, her pregnancy and delivery, and her favorite memories of her son when he wa s little. We also talk about the challenges and adjustments of empty nesting, including reshuffling friend groups and reinvesting in relationships with spouses. Karen reflects on the journey of motherhood and the series of little goodbyes that come with it. Motherhood taught Karen that not everyone knows her child the way she does, and it's okay to figure things out together. She realized that she didn't have to rely on books or experts to understand her baby. She would tell new mothers to trust their own intuition and knowledge about their baby. Karen also emphasized the importance of giving oneself grace and not succumbing to mom guilt. She shared her experiences with breastfeeding and the pressure to stimulate her baby's brain with flashcards, highlighting the need to let go of unrealistic expectations and focus on what truly matters.TakeawaysEmpty nesting is a significant transition in a parent's life, and it comes with its own set of challenges and adjustments.Preparing for empty nesting involves going through your child's belongings together, organizing and letting go of sentimental items.Investing in relationships with your spouse and friends becomes important during the empty nest phase.Motherhood is a journey of constant change and growth, with each phase bringing new experiences and memories.The series of little goodbyes in motherhood can be emotional and bittersweet, but they also signify growth and independence for both parent and child. Not everyone knows your child the way you do, trust your own intuition and knowledge about your babyGive yourself grace and don't succumb to mom guiltLet go of unrealistic expectations and focus on what truly mattersBreastfeeding can be challenging, and it's important to seek support and not feel like a failure if supplementation is neededSound Bites"Parenthood is the slowest breakup in the world.""Making sure there's something to look forward to.""Your son did not read the same books that you did""It's okay to set the books aside and go with what you know about your baby""Not every decision is going to impact the rest of your baby's life"Chapters00:00Introduction and Background05:45Favorite Memories of Motherhood09:36Transition to Empty Nesting13:00Preparing for Empty Nesting19:21Finding New Hobbies and Investing in Relationships23:49Reshuffling Friend Groups26:38Lessons Learned from Motherhood28:45Introduction and Karen's Experience with a Challenging Baby31:00Trusting Your Intuition and Letting Go of Expert Advice33:46The Impact of Mom Guilt and the Importance of Grace36:09The Reality of Breastfeeding Challenges39:04The Pressure of Unrealistic Expectations41:18Reflecting on the Journey and the Need for Grace47:18Supporting Working Moms and Overcoming Mom Guilt48:42Memorializing the Experience and Cherishing MotherhoodSupport the showWebsite: booksbybonnielippincott.comInstagram: @books_by_bonnie_lippincottTikTok: @entrylevelmomEmail: [email protected]: Baby2Baby is a national non-profit organization that provides children living in poverty with diapers, clothing and all the basic necessities that every child deserves. To learn more and get involved, visit www.baby2baby.org