The Girlfriend's Guide to an Empty Nest

Anne Watson and Becky Kopitzke
  • 4.7 (18)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Hey! We are Anne & Becky! Here we discuss the challenges and joys of the empty nest phase, sharing personal experiences and advice. You aren't alone if emptying nesting feels HARD! We cover topics such as the grieving process, reconnecting with spouses, rediscovering purpose, and the transition from parent to friend. We share the importance of faith and humor in navigating this season of life. We pray these episodes bless and prepare you for emptying nesting... and make you giggle!

  1. 4D AGO

    39. Mentoring Your Kids Once They Leave + Being a Freshman Old Person!

    Tune in today to hear about some exciting things coming to the show! Think HUSBANDS! You’ll also hear on today’s episode how to practically transition into your new roles in the Empty Nest season and we also share a fun BAD challenge to join us in this year! Today we also chat about: Expert Adults vs Baby Adults The sweetest listener review from a military mama A refreshing way to look at being in your 50’s (it’s funny but true!) Shifting from guide to mentor to your kids (what the practically looks like) Compassion for moms, no matter what your child decided to do post high school Helpful analogies for this stage of life The exciting possibilities for moms in the Empty Nest season Why it’s not all about your kids anymore The wisdom of embracing the suck Thoughts on “shoulding” on yourself vs listening to what God is asking you to do (even if you stink at it) An invitation to do something you are terrible at this year Get in Touch With us!⁠⁠ Connect with Anne: ⁠Swayology Business podcast⁠ Instagram Connect with Becky: Website⁠ ⁠Her books⁠ The Inspired Business podcast

    35 min

  2. JAN 20

    38. 1st College Semester in the Books! (Chat with Becky’s Daughter, Clara)

    Today is a suuuuppper fun episode for the girlfriends listening. We have a very special guest on … Clara, Becky’s oldest daughter! You’ll hear in our conversation all things leaving the nest, starting college, building new relationships and learning to “adult”, all from a daughter’s perspective. We know this episode will bless you. Clara gives such insightful wisdom and encouragement for moms and kids alike! We chat about: The mixed emotions that come with starting a new chapter of your life What goes through your child's mind on Drop of Day on their new campus Tips (from Clara) on how parents can help make transition seasons easier How it impacts your child, knowing it’s a change for the whole family when they leave Ways your child can be international about savouring their “lasts” at home before they leave the nest Adjustments your child is figuring out, moving from a high school student, to a college student Learning how to adult, in ways like time management or living in a new city Remembering to do things your parent use to do for you Different approaches children can have staying connected to their family once they move out  How to NOT be a helicopter parent in college (ex: things not to text!) Thoughts on parents tracking their kids whereabouts  Get in Touch With us!⁠⁠ Connect with Anne: ⁠Swayology Business podcast⁠ Instagram Connect with Becky: Website⁠ ⁠Her books⁠ The Inspired Business podcast

    35 min

  3. JAN 6

    37. How About NOT Setting Goals This New Year?

    Today we are chatting about going a little rouge/counter culture and letting yourself not set goals in 2026. Yes, there is a time and place for that but sometimes goals can limit us, box us in, put distracting pressure on ourselves. And as Empty Nesters (especially that first year), it can be so good to learn to just BE and not DO. Trying to figure out who you are apart from your kids is a very hard challenge so that is plenty to focus on! #goaltonotmakegoals Things we share about today: Why Anne doesn’t set resolutions The strangeness of having free time and not knowing what to do with it The freedom that comes with no goals How Becky was able to thrive at times in 2025 as her nest started to empty Learning to exercise “muscles” you haven't since having kids Using this year (and new chapter)  to experiment and do things just because it sounds fun The powerful question of “how do I feel like playing today?” Examples of how Becky is starting to do things for herself, enjoying more flexibility with less kids in the house Things Anne has found she enjoys doing, once she tried new things as an Empty Nester How courageous decisions are a risk but also can lead to great blessing! The wisdom of letting go of things that don’t bring you joy anymore (it’s okay to change and pivot) Choosing to see the GIFT that kids leaving can be to YOU the mother The importance of having your own life and therefore having things to contribute to conversations with your adult children Get in Touch With us! ⁠⁠ Connect with Anne: ⁠Swayology Business podcast⁠ Instagram Connect with Becky: Website⁠ ⁠Her books⁠ The Inspired Business podcast

    33 min

  4. 12/23/2025

    36. Traditions Your Adult Kids Love (that you didn’t even see as a tradition!)

    Today we are chatting with the girlfriends about a fun topic today: family traditions. It can be so surprising when your kids let you know they loved certain traditions growing up, yet you didn’t even realize it was something you did for your kids on routine.  We chat today: The thing we did with our kids that they consider a tradition vs how we saw it as moms Why it feels like a gold star when you realize something was meaningful to your children How traditions even begin, sometimes unintentionally (ahem, just tryin’ to manage chaos!) Some family traditions we personally do How interesting it is that some traditions land with our kids and some just don’t How even the things you don’t do often can become such precious memories for your adult kids to replicate The wonder of watching your kids join their own traditions with theirs of their spouse The emotions certain habits can evoke and why our kids adopt them from watching us Some conversation starters to get your kids (at any age) to chat about family traditions they love Why you can’t decide what traditions will stick with your kids! (Becky has a fun story about fishsticks. Lol) Dealing with holidays will no kids coming home (learning to share your kids with other people) Discovering new traditions as an Empty Nester Get in Touch With us!⁠⁠ Connect with Anne: ⁠Swayology Business podcast⁠ Instagram Connect with Becky: Website⁠ ⁠Her books⁠ The Inspired Business podcast

    27 min

  5. 12/09/2025

    35. Why is it Difficult to Accept Compliments?!

    Today we start things off with Anne flooding Becky with buckets of genuine compliments. Becky honestly shares that it was hard to receive said affirmation! Sounds familiar? Today we are digging into why it’s so dang hard to just say “thank you” when people speak life over you. And more importantly, how to practically grow in this area. More in today’s conversation: Anne sharing a cute story of how she decided to embrace a compliment How we can help the younger generation learn to accept kind words Why it’s possible to say thanks, even if you don’t feel their words are true yourself Thoughts on why giving lovely feedback is easier than receiving that lovely feedback Why some people don’t give complaints What deflecting is common The danger of not learning to receive compliments to fill your brain space How to give better compliments Flattering vs thoughtful compliments Why we might criticize ourselves more as we age How not learning to accept affirmation can impact even your walk with the Lord Get in Touch With us!⁠⁠ Connect with Anne: ⁠Swayology Business podcast⁠ Instagram Connect with Becky: Website⁠ ⁠Her books⁠ The Inspired Business podcast

    30 min

  6. 11/26/2025

    34. Self-Doubt as a Mom

    From sugar habits, continuing grief after the kids leave, to finding blessings in every season with your kids, this episode has sooo much jammed into it. It will give ya some laughter, some advice about doubting your mothering skills, a quote that rocked Anne’s world about perfectionism and everything in between. We chat today: Looking for the joy and inspiration where you are How we need to encourage each other in the Empty Nest season Thoughts from listeners of the show  What to do with the self-talk of “am I doing enough as a mom?” Why self condemnation as a mom isn’t helpful or healthy and what to focus on instead Comfort from God for mothers Laughing at yourself vs beating yourself up Why your kids need to see you mess up sometimes Looking at the sum total of what your kids have experienced from you Insights on when your kids pick up struggles from you Get in Touch With us!⁠⁠ Connect with Anne: ⁠Swayology Business podcast⁠ Instagram Connect with Becky: Website⁠ ⁠Her books⁠ The Inspired Business podcast

    31 min

  7. 11/11/2025

    33. When Your Kid Visits (for the 1st time after going away to college)

    Today we are checking in on Becky, her thoughts and feelings after The First Visit of her kiddo coming home for the first time after moving away for college. This is a VERY emotional time for moms (and kids) and Becky is sharing the things she wishes she would have done to care for her heart and things that are now working better. This episode in the last half reads a little like a big sister heart to heart/therapy session with Anne! You’ll hear us share on: What it feels like dropping them off again once the weekend is over Surrendering your child to the Lord Embracing loneliness and being productive with it Normal emotional and physical feelings that come with them leaving & visiting  Silver linings about this season Surprising timeline of adjustment for Becky Things that change once there is one less person at home Reflections from Anne of her experience from this time The impact on emotions of a mom during this transition  Hope for finding your new normal and hard things easing up! Allowing yourself space to rest and adjust (instead of staying busy and being in denial)  Thoughts on emotional/identity bridges Why having a life of your own enhances your relationship with your children Get in Touch With us!⁠⁠ Connect with Anne: ⁠Swayology Business podcast⁠ Instagram Connect with Becky: Website⁠ ⁠Her books⁠ The Inspired Business podcast

    25 min

  8. 10/28/2025

    32. Botox & Aging Bodies Thoughts

    How do you feel about your body as you age? Loaded question, we know! Today we are talking about body image as you age. Level 5 (turning 50) can bring up a whole host of feelings and today we are sharing our thoughts and experiences with aging. Remember, what works for one woman to feel confident in her current body will look different for another.  You’ll hear today: NOT should you or should you not do things but rather our experiences with aging  The different ways different women feel beautiful as they get older The good desire to want to feel confident and beautiful that God put in women The reasons culture makes us feel less attractive as we age (and how it doesn't respect certain types of beauty) How it’s up to each woman to decide how to support her own body confidence  Practical ways to feel good in your skin Adult breakouts … sigh, it’s a thing. How with age comes wisdom and also not caring as much about people's thoughts Self care looking like fashion or beauty choices at times  How Empty Nesting opens up opportunities to invest time and money on you! Get in Touch With us!⁠⁠ Connect with Anne: ⁠Swayology Business podcast⁠ Instagram Connect with Becky: Website⁠ ⁠Her books⁠ The Inspired Business podcast

    31 min
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4.7
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

Hey! We are Anne & Becky! Here we discuss the challenges and joys of the empty nest phase, sharing personal experiences and advice. You aren't alone if emptying nesting feels HARD! We cover topics such as the grieving process, reconnecting with spouses, rediscovering purpose, and the transition from parent to friend. We share the importance of faith and humor in navigating this season of life. We pray these episodes bless and prepare you for emptying nesting... and make you giggle!

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