15 Things You Will Wish You Had Done Before Your Kids Moved Out
Becoming empty nesters can be bittersweet. The house is quieter, but the memories linger.
Looking back, there are things we wish we had done when our kids were still living under our roof. We focused so much on the day-to-day that we missed chances to connect, laugh, and create lasting memories.
These are the 15 things we regret not doing when our kids were home, hoping other parents can cherish these moments before it’s too late.
Taking More Family Vacations
We always thought there would be more time. We put off trips for the future, but the future came too fast.
More family vacations could’ve created priceless memories.
Spending Unplugged Weekends Together
The constant distractions of work, phones, and TV stole precious time. We wish we had spent more weekends disconnected from technology, just enjoying each other’s company.
Like iepmommy's content? Follow us on MSN.
Hosting More Family Dinners
We regret not making family dinners a bigger priority. It was a simple way to connect daily, but schedules got in the way.
Attending All Their School Events
We missed some of their events, thinking work couldn’t wait. Looking back, those moments were fleeting, and we wish we had been there for all of them.
Having One-on-One Time With Each Child
It’s easy to get caught up in family dynamics, but one-on-one time is invaluable. We wish we’d spent more individual time with each of our kids, really getting to know them.
Like iepmommy's content? Follow us on MSN.
Teaching Them More Life Skills
We were so busy doing things for them that we didn’t always teach them how to do things for themselves. We regret not preparing them better for adulthood.
Capturing More Everyday Moments
We took pictures on holidays, but we missed out on capturing the little moments. Those everyday memories—laughter at the dinner table, silly moments—are what we miss most.
Listening More and Talking Less
We wish we had listened more to what was going on in their lives. Sometimes we were too quick to offer advice instead of just hearing them out.
Like iepmommy's content? Follow us on MSN.
Encouraging More Adventures
We often played it safe, but we should have encouraged our kids to take more risks and chase their dreams sooner. Adventure brings growth, and we regret not pushing for more of it.
Saying “I Love You” More Often
We said it, but maybe not enough. We wish we had expressed our love more frequently, in both words and actions.
Prioritizing Family Traditions
We started traditions but didn’t always stick with them. Looking back, those could have been the special threads that connected us long after they left home.
Like iepmommy's content? Follow us on MSN.
Being More Present
We were there, but we weren’t always fully present. Too often, we were preoccupied with the future instead of focusing on the now.
Celebrating Their Achievements More
Sometimes we didn’t fully celebrate their wins, big or small. Looking back, we wish we had been more excited for them, making them feel even more proud.
Making Time for Fun
Life got serious sometimes, and we regret not loosening up more often. We should have made time for fun, laughter, and pure joy in the chaos of everyday life.
Like iepmommy's content? Follow us on MSN.
Sharing More Stories About Our Lives
We didn’t always share enough about our own journeys, lessons, and experiences. Now that they’re gone, we realize how much they could have learned from our stories.
More from IEPMommy
- 30 Beautiful Baby Girl Names You’ll Never Regret Choosing
- Disillusioned Parents Share 26 Harsh Realities of Raising Kids
- We Asked Our Parents to Stop Giving Toys to Our Kids And Give Them These Instead
- The 25 Sweetest and Girliest Names for Your Little Princess
- 18 Hilarious Fads That Will Disappear with Baby Boomers
Like iepmommy's content? Follow us on MSN.
