Empty Nest, Love & Me

Demi-Lee Taylor
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  • Parenting

You've spent years raising your kids, putting everyone else first, and now they're building lives of their own. So why does it feel like you've lost a part of yourself? I'm Demi-Lee Taylor, an Empty Nest and Love Languages Coach, and welcome to Empty Nest, Love & Me. We're talking about the things nobody really prepares us for. Missing our adult kids, learning to communicate differently, finding our way back to our partner, and wondering who we are beyond parenting. Because empty nesting isn't just about the kids leaving. It's about our relationships, our identity and ourselves too. Using my See it. Name it. Reset it. Discuss it approach, we'll explore these changes together without being told to "just get a hobby". Expect three short podshots every week, occasional guest interviews, honest conversations and gentle tools to help you navigate this next chapter.

  1. 2h ago

    You're More Than Just Mum or Dad: Rediscovering Your Identity After the Kids Grow Up

    You've spent years raising your kids, putting their needs first and making sure everybody else was looked after. But now they're growing up and building lives of their own, have you started wondering who you are outside of being Mum or Dad? Maybe there were dreams you put on hold, interests you never had time for or parts of yourself you've almost forgotten about. In today's episode, I'm sharing something very personal to remind you that just because our kids grow up, it doesn't mean our own dreams have to disappear. In this episode of Empty Nest, Love & Me, we're talking about: Why being a parent shouldn't be our entire identity. Motherhood and fatherhood are important parts of who we are, but we're also individuals with our own interests, talents, ambitions and dreams.How we lose parts of ourselves during the parenting years. Why our personal goals and interests often get pushed aside while we're busy raising families and looking after everybody else.A personal dream I've carried for five years. I'm sharing my experience with a multi-platinum songwriter and, meeting other talented songwriters and finally taking a step towards releasing my own music.My debut single. How a song I wrote five years ago, which received encouraging feedback from fellow songwriters, is finally becoming my debut single this December.Why it's never too late to explore something that's just for you. Rediscovering yourself doesn't have to mean making enormous changes. Sometimes, it's simply about remembering what used to make you feel excited. A little challenge for you this weekI want you to think about something. Before life became so busy with raising kids, working and looking after everybody else, was there something you always dreamed of doing Maybe it was writing a book. Learning something new. Starting a business. Travelling somewhere you've always wanted to visit. Or simply returning to something you used to love. Now ask yourself: "If I stopped telling myself it's too late, what's one thing I'd love to explore?" You don't need to have everything figured out. And you certainly don't need to prove anything to anybody. Just take one small step towards something that matters to you. Because you're still Mum. You're still Dad. But you're also somebody with your own story to write. And maybe the next chapter of that story is only just beginning. 🎶 Something exciting is coming this December!I'm incredibly excited to share that my debut single is coming this December! I wrote this song five years ago after meeting some multi-platinum songwriters and producers, where I had the opportunity to learn alongside talented songwriters. When I shared my completed lyrics, the responses meant so much to me. One person said: "Powerful lyrics. They definitely land and impact!" And another wrote: "I had energy chills reading this, love it!" Five years later, I'm finally bringing that dream to life. And that's exactly why I wanted to share this with you. Our identities are so much more than being parents. We have our own dreams, talents and stories too. 🎶 Keep an eye on my music updates to follow the journey and find out more about the release of As The World Sleeps. Let's stay connectedIf today's episode has reminded you of a dream you've put on hold, why not share it with another empty nest parent who might need to hear this conversation? And if you're looking for support, meaningful connections or somewhere to talk openly about life after active parenting, I'd love you to join me. Join my FREE Skool community, The Love Reset Lounge. Connect with other empty nest parents, share experiences and find support from people who understand what you're going through. Fancy joining me on the podcast? You can apply to have a conversation with me on Empty Nest, Love & Me. I'd love to hear your experiences of empty nesting, changing relationships and rediscovering who you are. Explore my other resources. You'll also find information about my 1:1 coaching, audio experiences and resources to help you reconnect with yourself, your partner and your adult kids. Visit my website to apply for a podcast conversation, join the FREE community and explore my resources: https://theloveresetcoach.com ⭐ Enjoying Empty Nest, Love & Me? Follow the podcast on your favourite listening app, and if our conversations have helped you, please consider leaving a rating or review. It helps other empty nest parents find us too. Support the Show: Enjoying our journey together? You can support the podcast or buy me a coffee here: https://empty-nest-love-me.captivate.fm/support With love, Demi-Lee Taylor Empty Nest & Love Languages Coach

  2. 3d ago

    Why Do Mums Feel Guilty For Putting Themselves First?

    Why Do Mums Feel Guilty for Putting Themselves First? | Empty Nest & Rediscovering YourselfYou've spent years putting your kids, your partner and everybody else's needs before your own. But now your kids are growing up and you've finally got a little more time for yourself, why does doing something just for you feel so selfish? Maybe you struggle to relax, feel guilty spending money on yourself or find yourself questioning whether you should be doing something more useful. If you've ever felt uncomfortable choosing yourself after years of being needed, this episode is for you. In today's episode of Empty Nest, Love & Me, we're talking about: Why mums feel guilty when they start putting themselves first. How years of organising our lives around everybody else's needs can make looking after ourselves feel uncomfortable.When being needed becomes part of our identity. Why we sometimes measure our value by how much we do for other people, and what happens when our adult kids become more independent.The difference between being selfish and having your own needs. Why taking time for yourself doesn't mean you love your family any less.Questioning the beliefs we've carried throughout motherhood. Exploring expectations such as "a good mum always puts everybody else first" and why those beliefs may no longer be helping us.🎧 Using my See It. Name It. Reset It. Discuss It. approach. How recognising guilt, understanding where it comes from and challenging old beliefs can help us begin making room for ourselves again. A little challenge for you this week I want you to choose one small thing that's just for you. Not because somebody needs you to do it. Not because it's productive. And not because it'll make somebody else's life easier. Simply because it's something you want. Maybe it's taking yourself out for a coffee, spending an afternoon reading, meeting a friend or exploring something you've always wanted to try. And if that familiar feeling of guilt starts creeping in, don't immediately cancel your plans. Instead, ask yourself: "Am I actually doing something wrong, or am I simply doing something different from what I'm used to?" Because sometimes, what feels selfish is simply something we're not used to allowing ourselves. You can still be a loving mum, a supportive partner and somebody who cares deeply about their family while making room for yourself. Remember, your kids growing up doesn't mean you've stopped being their mum. But it does mean you have an opportunity to rediscover the woman you are alongside being their mum. And you don't need to feel guilty about that. Let's stay connected If today's episode has made you think about how much of yourself you've put aside over the years, please share it with another mum who might need to hear this conversation. And if you're looking for more support, connection or a chance to share your own experiences, I'd love you to join me. Join my FREE Skool community, The Love Reset Lounge. A welcoming space for empty nest parents to connect, have honest conversations, access free resources and find support from others who understand what they're going through. Fancy joining me on the podcast? I'm inviting parents to apply to have a conversation with me on Empty Nest, Love & Me. Whether you're struggling with your identity, navigating changing relationships with your adult kids or discovering who you are again, your experiences could help another parent feel understood. Looking for more support and resources? You'll also find my 1:1 coaching sessions, audio experiences and other resources designed to help you navigate the empty nest stage, reconnect with your relationships and rediscover yourself. Visit my website to apply for a podcast conversation, join my FREE community and explore the resources available: https://theloveresetcoach.com Enjoying Empty Nest, Love & Me? Follow the podcast on your favourite listening app, and if these conversations have helped you, please consider leaving a rating or review. It helps other empty nest parents find us too. Because you've spent years looking after everybody else. You deserve to give yourself some of that same care and attention. With love, Demi-Lee Taylor Empty Nest & Love Languages Coach

  3. 5d ago

    Feeling Like a Stranger in Your Adult Kid's Life

    Feeling Like a Stranger in Your Adult Kid's Life: When You No Longer Feel IncludedThere was a time when you knew almost everything happening in your kid's life. Their friends, their worries, their plans and all those little everyday moments that made you feel involved. But now they're adults, you might find yourself hearing their news through somebody else, seeing photographs on social media or wondering why they don't call as often. And although you know they're entitled to their independence, it can still hurt when you feel like you're becoming a stranger in their world. In today's episode of Empty Nest, Love & Me, we're talking about: Why feeling left out of your adult kid's life can hurt so much. How going from being involved in their everyday world to knowing very little about what's happening can affect your sense of connection.The difference between independence and rejection. Why your adult kid having their own private life doesn't automatically mean they no longer love or value you.When wanting connection gets mistaken for wanting control. How parents and adult kids can misunderstand each other's intentions when expectations about communication change.Why our thoughts don't always reflect what's actually happening. How unanswered calls, missed conversations or finding things out through others can lead us to assume we're being excluded or replaced.Finding new ways to stay connected while respecting boundaries. Why honest, gentle conversations can help us understand what meaningful connection might look like now, including when relationships are more complicated or distant. A little challenge for you this week I want you to ask yourself something: "Am I missing being involved in every part of my adult kid's life, or am I missing feeling close to them?" Because there's a difference. Maybe you don't need to know every detail of their day. Maybe you simply miss those little conversations, the laughter, being included in their world or knowing that they still want to share parts of their life with you. And if your relationship allows for it, why not start a gentle conversation? Instead of saying, "You never tell me anything anymore", try: "I really enjoy hearing about what's happening in your life. I'd love it if we could catch up a little more often. What would work for you?" You're not demanding their time or asking them to give up their independence. You're opening the door to connection in a way that respects both of you. And remember... Your role in your adult kid's life may be changing, but that doesn't mean your life has become any less important. You're still their mum or dad, and you're still a person with your own needs, relationships and life to live. Let's stay connected If today's episode has resonated with you, please share it with another empty nest parent who might be feeling excluded or struggling with changes in their relationship with their adult kids. And if you'd like more support, understanding or simply somewhere you can talk openly about what you're experiencing, I'd love you to connect with me. Join my FREE Skool community, The Love Reset Lounge. A welcoming space where empty nest parents can connect, share experiences, have honest conversations and find support from people who understand this stage of life. Would you like to join me on the podcast? I'm inviting parents to apply to have a conversation with me on Empty Nest, Love & Me. Whether you've struggled with feeling left out, experienced changes in your relationship with your adult kids or learned something valuable along the way, your experiences could help another parent feel less alone. Looking for more resources? You'll also find information about my 1:1 coaching, audio experiences and other resources to help you navigate empty nesting, reconnect with your relationships and rediscover yourself. Visit my website to apply for a podcast conversation, join the FREE community and explore my other resources: https://theloveresetcoach.com ⭐ Enjoying Empty Nest, Love & Me? Don't forget to follow the podcast on your favourite listening app. And if you've been enjoying our conversations, leaving a rating or review helps other empty nest parents discover the show. Because you deserve to feel supported and understood while navigating this stage of life. With love, Demi-Lee Taylor Empty Nest & Love Languages Coach

  4. Nov 2

    Feeling Lonely Even When You're Not Alone

    Feeling Lonely Even When You're Not Alone: The Empty Nest Loneliness Nobody Talks AboutYou've got family, friends and maybe even a partner sitting right beside you, so why do you still feel lonely? When our kids grow up and no longer need us in the same way, we can find ourselves missing the everyday conversations, laughter and little moments that once made us feel connected. And sometimes, being surrounded by people doesn't stop that feeling of loneliness. If you've ever felt guilty for feeling lonely when you've still got people in your life, this episode is for you. In today's episode of Empty Nest, Love & Me, we're talking about: Why loneliness can become more noticeable during the empty nest stage. How changes to our family routines and everyday interactions can leave us feeling disconnected.The difference between being alone and feeling lonely. Why having people around us doesn't always mean we're experiencing the emotional connection we need.Why we sometimes feel guilty for admitting we're lonely. Understanding that having a loving family, friends or a partner doesn't mean we're never allowed to feel disconnected.Recognising what meaningful connection looks like for us. Why being heard, understood and valued can matter more than simply having people around.Using my See It. Name It. Reset It. Discuss It. approach. How noticing our feelings, understanding what's missing and communicating our needs can help us begin reconnecting. A little challenge for you this week I want you to ask yourself one question: "Am I missing having people around me, or am I missing feeling connected to the people already in my life?" Because there's a difference. Maybe you don't need to fill your calendar with more activities or surround yourself with more people. Maybe you're missing those meaningful conversations, the laughter, or simply spending time with somebody who makes you feel heard and understood. So this week, choose one small thing you can do to create more connection. Maybe arrange that coffee with a friend, ask your partner to spend some time together without your phones, or have an honest conversation about how you've been feeling. Remember, you can be surrounded by people and still need connection. And you're allowed to ask for it. Let's stay connected:If today's episode has made you feel a little more understood, please share it with another empty nest parent who might be feeling the same way. And if you're looking for more support, connection or simply somewhere you can have honest conversations about this stage of life, I'd love you to come and join us. Join my FREE Skool Community, The Love Reset Lounge. A welcoming space for empty nest parents to connect, share experiences, access free resources and talk openly with people who understand. Fancy joining me on the podcast? I'm inviting parents to apply to come on Empty Nest, Love & Me for a conversation about their experiences, the challenges they've faced and what they've learned along the way. Your story might help another parent feel a little less alone. Looking for more support? You'll also find my coaching sessions, audio resources and other ways to help you navigate empty nesting, reconnect with your relationships and rediscover yourself. You can find all of this, including how to apply to join me on the podcast and access my FREE community, here: https://theloveresetcoach.com ⭐ And don't forget! Follow Empty Nest, Love & Me on your favourite podcast app. If you've been enjoying our conversations, leaving a rating or review helps other empty nest parents discover the podcast and find the support they might be looking for. Because you don't have to navigate this chapter of your life on your own. With love, Demi-Lee Taylor Empty Nest & Love Languages Coach

  5. Oct 30

    The 5 Love Languages: Are You Loving Your Adult Kids the Way They Need?

    You've spent years showing your kids how much you love them, from cuddles and bedtime stories to helping them through life's challenges. But now they're adults, have you ever stopped to wonder whether the way you show them love still works for them? Maybe you're trying to help, but they see it as interfering, or you're craving more time together while they're happy with the occasional catch-up. As our kids grow up, their needs change, and sometimes we need to rethink how we show them love too. In today's episode of Empty Nest, Love & Me, we're talking about: Why the way our adult kids experience love can change. What made them feel loved as little kids might not be what makes them feel supported, respected and valued today.Understanding the five love languages in parent and adult kid relationships. Exploring Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Acts of Service, Receiving Gifts and Physical Touch, and how each might look different as our kids become independent adults.When helping starts to feel like interfering. Why doing everything for our kids might once have felt loving, but can sometimes leave them feeling that we don't trust their judgement.Respecting boundaries without feeling rejected. Understanding why less contact, fewer hugs or wanting more independence doesn't automatically mean our adult kids love us any less.Learning to love the adults our kids have become. Why asking what makes them feel supported today can help us build stronger relationships based on communication, trust and mutual respect. A little challenge for you this week:Think about how you've always shown your kids that you love them. Are you the mum who tries to fix everything? The one who buys thoughtful little gifts? Maybe you love spending quality time together, giving hugs or telling them how proud you are. Now ask yourself: "Is this still how my adult child likes to receive love, or am I assuming that what worked when they were little still works today?" And if you get the opportunity, why not ask them something? "What makes you feel supported by me these days?" You might discover that what they need from you now looks quite different from what they needed when they were younger. And that's okay. You don't have to get everything right. You're both learning how to navigate a relationship that's changing. Remember, loving our adult kids differently doesn't mean loving them any less. It means making room for the people they're becoming. Let's stay connected:If today's episode has helped you think differently about how you communicate and connect with your adult kids, why not share it with another empty nest parent? 🎧 Follow Empty Nest, Love & Me on your favourite podcast app so you don't miss our next conversation. ⭐ Enjoying the podcast? Leaving a rating or review, if your listening app allows it, helps other parents discover these conversations and find support too. Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaunashannontaylor Checkout my Link in bio: https://theloveresetcoach.com With love, Demi-Lee Taylor Empty Nest & Love Languages Coach

  6. Oct 28

    Love Languages Aren't Just for Couples: What About Our Friendships?

    Have you ever felt like you're always the friend who checks in, makes the effort and remembers the little things, but sometimes wonder if anyone notices what you need? Or maybe you've got a lovely friend who shows she cares, just not in the way that makes you feel most connected. As our kids grow up and our lives change, we start to realise how important meaningful friendships really are. And sometimes, understanding how we give and receive love can help us see those friendships a little differently. In today's episode of Empty Nest, Love & Me, we're talking about: Why love languages aren't just for romantic relationships. How the five love languages can help us understand the different ways we show care, appreciation and affection in our friendships.When friends show love differently. Why thoughtful gifts, helping out, kind words, quality time or a reassuring hug can mean different things to different people.How friendships change during the empty nest years. Why we might find ourselves craving deeper connections when our kids grow up and our everyday routines change.The difference between different love languages and one-sided friendships. Why understanding how someone expresses care doesn't mean accepting a consistent lack of effort, consideration or support. Learning to communicate what we need from our friends. How honest conversations can help us reconnect, strengthen friendships and build relationships that feel good for both people. A little challenge for you this week:Think about one friendship that's important to you. Ask yourself these three questions: How do I usually show this person that I care?How do they show me that they care?Have I ever actually told them what makes me feel valued in our friendship? Now, if you feel comfortable, do something with those answers. Maybe arrange that coffee you've both been talking about for months. Send a message to say you're thinking about them. Tell them how much you appreciate having them in your life. Or have an honest conversation about how you can make more time for each other. Because friendship isn't just about how much we give. It's also about feeling valued, supported and knowing that the effort goes both ways. And remember, understanding someone's love language doesn't mean overlooking a friendship that's consistently one-sided. You deserve friendships where you feel appreciated too. Let's stay connected:If today's episode has made you think about a particular friend, why not share it with her? It might be a lovely way to start a conversation about what friendship means to both of you. Follow Empty Nest, Love & Me on your favourite podcast app so you don't miss our next conversation. Enjoying the podcast? Leaving a rating or review, if your listening app allows it, helps other empty nest parents find these conversations and feel a little less alone. Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaunashannontaylor Check out my Link in bio: https://theloveresetcoach.com With love, Demi-Lee Taylor Empty Nest & Love Languages Coach

  7. Oct 26

    Why Our Mothers and Grandmothers Never Talked About the Empty Nest

    Our mums and grandmothers raised families, watched their kids grow up and leave home, and somehow, they just seemed to get on with it. But did they really cope as well as we think, or were they simply never encouraged to talk about how they felt? If you've ever felt guilty for struggling with the empty nest, or heard that little voice telling you to pull yourself together, you might be carrying expectations that started long before you became a parent. And that's exactly what we're talking about in today's episode. In this episode of Empty Nest, Love & Me, we're exploring: Why previous generations rarely spoke about empty nesting. How expectations around motherhood, being strong and putting everyone else first may have influenced the way our mums and grandmothers dealt with their emotions.The meaning behind "just get on with it". Why silence doesn't necessarily mean someone wasn't struggling, and how those attitudes can be passed down through generations.The beliefs we inherit without realising it. How growing up hearing things like "stop feeling sorry for yourself" can affect the way we respond to our own emotions as adults.Why talking about empty nesting isn't complaining. Understanding that changes in motherhood can affect our identity, confidence, relationships and sense of purpose.How we can do things differently for the next generation. Honouring the strength of the women who came before us while showing our own kids that asking for support and expressing emotions isn't a weakness. A little challenge for you this week Think back to when you were growing up. How did your family deal with difficult emotions? Were you encouraged to talk about your feelings, or were you expected to keep going, no matter what? Write down one message you heard growing up about motherhood, emotions or asking for help. Then ask yourself: "Is this belief helping me in this chapter of my life, or is it stopping me from getting the support I need?" You might discover that some of the expectations you've been placing on yourself were never really yours to begin with. And remember... We can respect the strength of the women who came before us without believing we have to cope in exactly the same way. We can keep their resilience, their love and their determination, while leaving behind the idea that struggling is something to be ashamed of. Let's stay connected:If this episode has made you think about your own mum or grandmother, why not share it with another empty nest parent? Or maybe start a conversation with someone from an older generation about what life was like for them when their kids grew up. You might discover a story you've never heard before. 🎧 Follow Empty Nest, Love & Me on your favourite podcast app so you don't miss our next conversation. ⭐ Enjoying the podcast? Leaving a rating or review, if your listening app allows it, helps other empty nest parents discover these conversations and find support too. Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaunashannontaylor Check out my link in bio here: https://theloveresetcoach.com With love, Demi-Lee Taylor Empty Nest & Love Languages Coach

  8. Oct 22

    Why "Just Get a Hobby" Isn't the Answer

    Your kids have grown up, the house is quieter, and suddenly everyone seems to think you should be enjoying all this newfound freedom. But what happens when you're not looking for something to fill your time, you're trying to figure out who you are after years of putting everyone else first? Being told to "just get a hobby" can feel incredibly dismissive when you're struggling with changes to your identity, relationships and sense of purpose. If you've ever felt misunderstood during the empty nest stage, this episode is for you. In today's episode of Empty Nest, Love & Me, we're talking about: Why "just get a hobby" misses the point. Empty nesting isn't simply about having too much spare time. It's about adjusting to a life where your role, routines and relationships are changing.Losing yourself after years of being needed. Why putting everyone else's needs first can leave you wondering who you are and what makes you happy.The difference between keeping busy and feeling fulfilled. Why filling your calendar with activities doesn't necessarily help you reconnect with yourself.Why you don't need to reinvent yourself overnight. Letting go of the pressure to have a grand transformation or know exactly what your next chapter should look like.My See it. Name it. Reset it. Discuss it. approach. Four steps to help you recognise what you're feeling, understand what you need and begin finding your way forward. A little something to think about this week:"Am I looking for something to fill my time, or am I looking for something that helps me feel more like myself?" Because there's a difference. Maybe you don't need another activity, another commitment or another thing added to your calendar. Maybe you need the space to understand what you're feeling, what you've been missing and what you actually want from your life now. And you don't have to have all the answers today. Your kids growing up doesn't mean your purpose has disappeared. It means you're learning what purpose looks like for you now. You deserve more than a distraction. You deserve the opportunity to rediscover yourself. Let's stay connectedIf this episode resonated with you, please share it with another mum who's tired of being told to "just get a hobby" and get on with life. Because empty nesting deserves a proper conversation, and that's exactly why we're here. 🎧 Follow Empty Nest, Love & Me on Spotify or Apple Podcasts so you don't miss our next conversation. 📖 Read my book, The Mother I Was, available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1837097909 With love, Demi-Lee Taylor Empty Nest & Love Languages Coach

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About

You've spent years raising your kids, putting everyone else first, and now they're building lives of their own. So why does it feel like you've lost a part of yourself? I'm Demi-Lee Taylor, an Empty Nest and Love Languages Coach, and welcome to Empty Nest, Love & Me. We're talking about the things nobody really prepares us for. Missing our adult kids, learning to communicate differently, finding our way back to our partner, and wondering who we are beyond parenting. Because empty nesting isn't just about the kids leaving. It's about our relationships, our identity and ourselves too. Using my See it. Name it. Reset it. Discuss it approach, we'll explore these changes together without being told to "just get a hobby". Expect three short podshots every week, occasional guest interviews, honest conversations and gentle tools to help you navigate this next chapter.

Information

  • Creator
    Demi-Lee Taylor
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Demi-Lee Taylor
  • Show Website
    Empty Nest, Love & Me