Pippin (original poster member #66219) posted at 5:58 PM on Friday, February 6th, 2026
My several kids are late teens and young adults. They are all doing really well in school, career, relationships, and of course I’m happy about this. But the decline of the amount of care they need in some ways feels brutal. I wrapped my life around their needs for so long. I always had hobbies, interests, friends, etc. My husband and I took vacations without them sometimes and they had other important adults in their lives. But I also chose a career that was flexible even before they were born so I could prioritize their needs, I made choices to optimize their opportunities, etc. In retrospect I wouldn’t change anything. I’m just having a really hard time with the adjustment. I don’t think I need advice, but I’d be happy to hear from others who have experienced the transition from actively parenting their kids to whatever is next, and what that was like for them (even if it was really different from me). I think I just need to sit calmly in the middle of the rough patch for a while and other peoples stories would help.
Him: Shadowfax1
Reconciled for 6 years
Dona nobis pacem
Pippin (original poster member #66219) posted at 6:00 PM on Friday, February 6th, 2026
Also I’d love recommendations of books, movies, art, poetry. Nothing is coming to mind right now that reflects this moment but of course it exists! I guess the Persephone story is closest! I do feel like Ceres sending winter across the land!
Him: Shadowfax1
Reconciled for 6 years
Dona nobis pacem
