Having all three children by the age of 21 allowed for an early empty nester phase by 40. Early parenting posed significant challenges, yet surviving those years leads to a rewarding stage later in life. Many peers are around early parenting challenges, while experiences now include adult conversations with children. Travel and personal pursuits are possible, contrasting a lifestyle focused on parenting stages others are still navigating. The initial hardships of young parenting shaped a perspective of gratitude and fulfillment in hindsight.
Being a young parent was tough, but I wouldn't change a thing. If you can survive those early years, you end up in the most incredible sweet spot later in life.
When I tell people I'm an empty nester at 40, they look at me like I've just revealed some impossible math equation. How can someone my age already be done with active parenting?
Many of my friends are experiencing parenting stages I've already been through. Meanwhile, I'm posting pictures from weekend trips and actually sleeping through the night.
When they're dealing with toddler tantrums or teenage mood swings, I'm having real conversations with my adult children about life, relationships, and their dreams.
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