Ideas for Empty Nester ?

alleycat`

I know she has ME but could she cope with something like a Half Allotment?

Depending on the area there will usually be a fairly sedate social side to it, you get some exercise, and there is usually something to show for your labour (which is always nice).

Just a thought.

busiscoming2

You have offered to take her on holiday for a month which is very nice but firstly I agree with the person that said she will probably want to be 'near' in case one of the kids needs her.

If you are financially able to take a month off, how about spending it at home with her and having nice days out and maybe a couple of weekends/days away instead. She may feel more comfy being based at home.

Mojisola

[QUOTE=Prothet of Doom;63121683
So far, I've said "I'm taking you on holiday, the day after we drop them both off. for a month somewhere hot"

I've also said "Well, where-ever I'm working you can come with me, and contact a local agency, and see what's available"

That went down like a lead balloon.

The other one that went badly, was "There's nothing stopping you going to university yourself" [/QUOTE]

Have you ever said "What would you like to do?"

I've got ME and I know it's very hard for other people to understand but what can seem like a lovely break to someone else can loom on the horizon as nothing but work and stress.

If she cares for her parents, she will have to carry on looking after them while organising someone to replace her while she's away - and what happens if you're abroad and her parents aren't happy with the carers?

If she's helping her sister with the children, will her sister manage without her - will she feel bad about leaving her sister without help?

Talk to her rather than telling her what she's got to do!

pukkamum

Crafting!
It's something that can be done at home, you can join crafting sites with forums of like mided people, sell said crafts at school fairs etc, make things for home, presents etc.
To me there is nothing better than a day at hobbycraft followed by a 'sticking and gluing' session as dh calls it.
On the otherhand perhaps you are worrying unnecessarily, she sounds as though she has a lot going on anyway and perhaps she's looking forward to the peace.

Brighton_belle

pukkamum wrote: »

To me there is nothing better than a day at hobbycraft followed by a 'sticking and gluing' session as dh calls it.

:rotfl: When I go to my mosaic workshop, my DH always refers to it as " cutting out and sticking on" and I sell stuff, lol.

Fleago

busiscoming2 wrote: »

You have offered to take her on holiday for a month which is very nice but firstly I agree with the person that said she will probably want to be 'near' in case one of the kids needs her.

Some Mums will think that way, but others, like me, would be thinking, "a month in the sun, yippee, bring it on!" and be starting to pack already.

And yes, I would fly out the day after I'd dropped the last one off at University!

KME91

pukkamum wrote: »

Crafting!
It's something that can be done at home, you can join crafting sites with forums of like mided people, sell said crafts at school fairs etc, make things for home, presents etc.
To me there is nothing better than a day at hobbycraft followed by a 'sticking and gluing' session as dh calls it.
On the otherhand perhaps you are worrying unnecessarily, she sounds as though she has a lot going on anyway and perhaps she's looking forward to the peace.

I'd second the crafting, at the grand old age of 31 i've suddenly got the cross stitch bug and it's happily eating up as much of my time as I'll allow it to, and I'm making beautiful things too. have a look see if there are any local crafting workshops or 'stitch 'n' b1tch' type groups for people to get together and craft.

pollypenny

I was an empty nester. However, it's surprising how soon I got used to the quiet and tidy house.

I looked forward to seeing DS come back, with his stock of washing, and terms are not that long really.

She might find time to relax, read, knit or whatever.

arbroath_lass

Prothet_of_Doom wrote: »

So far, I've said "I'm taking you on holiday, the day after we drop them both off. for a month somewhere hot"

Why a month? I'd hate that. Your wife does seem to be quite a "home body" (as she's not keen on going with you to work). Especially as you have pets and she has other "commitments". Maybe a week or two would have been a better suggestion?

I can certainly appreciate what you are trying to do but I'd let your wife decide what she wants to do. Maybe she is looking forward to a less hectic life?

paulineb_2

Some people have always lived alone, possibly different, but there are always ways to fill your time.