Letting Go of Worry: Navigating Life after Kids

No matter how old we get or how old our kids get, we never STOP WORRYING ABOUT THEM! Worrying is often what mothers do best…

In this heartfelt and genuine discussion, we dive into the universal experience of parental worry as their children grow older and gain independence. We explore how to cope with children leaving for college and embarking on their lives beyond the family home, offering insight to listeners navigating similar situations.

The episode of Life after Kids opens with our typical light-hearted banter, but quickly transitions into a discussion about the emotional challenges faced by parents whose children are moving on to college or the working world. 

Key Takeaways:

• Parental worry evolves as children grow, highlighting the need for parents to adapt their coping mechanisms.
• The conversation focuses on the importance of surrendering control and trusting that adult children will make the right choices.
• Dr. Brooke and Dr. Lynne discuss the benefits of grounding practices like yoga, prayer, or even simple routines to manage stress.
• Incorporating mindfulness and the practice of being in the present moment is emphasized to reduce worry about the future.
• Diet, sleep, and other lifestyle factors can exacerbate worries, so managing these aspects can help maintain emotional equilibrium.

  Join us for the full episode of Life after Kids to hear Dr. Lynne shares a poignant moment of realization about her daughter's future departure, sparking a conversation about the inevitability of worrying and the importance of coming to terms with a lack of control. Plus, Dr. Brooke reflects on her experience with her son and the changes that come when parenting roles inevitably shift. Together, we offer practical advice and strategies for managing this worry, focusing on personal well-being, controlling what's controllable, and finding comfort in community and faith.

RESOURCES:
Lavender Essential Oil
Magnesium for better sleep and relaxation

| Timestamp  | Summary
| 0:00  | Moms Managing Worry as Kids Grow Independent
| 2:33  | Motherhood, College Goodbyes, and Emotional Realizations
| 5:27  | Family Dynamics With an Only Child
| 6:39  | Embracing Uncertainty and the Art of Letting Go
| 10:13  | Effective Strategies for Stress Management and Better Sleep
| 12:09  | Embracing Mindfulness and Letting Go of Control
| 14:05  | Overcoming Anxiety and the Challenges of Air Travel
| 15:04  | Finding Peace Through Faith and Practical Strategies
| 16:30  | Reflections on Overcoming Seemingly Trivial Worries
| 16:57  | Strategies for Managing Worry and Improving Sleep
| -  | Leveraging Community Support for Parenting Challenges
| 20:21  | Managing Worry Through Control and Healthy Actions
| 22:34  | Parental Self-Doubt and Letting Go
| 24:11  | Diet's Impact on Anxiety and Worry
| 25:23  | Managing Stress and Finding Purpose Beyond Parenting
| 27:31  | Strategies for Reducing Parental Worry

Enjoy the show, and we hope you learn a little bit more about living a fulfilling, vibrant, and meaningful Life after Kids!

If you like what you hear please rate and review the podcast, hit subscribe, and pass it along to a friend.

Making tomorrow even better than today,

Dr. Brooke and Dr. Lynne


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