The term “empty nest” first appeared in the late 19th century and received attention in psychological and sociological discourses by the 1940s. Initially, it aroused a strange image of a man alone in a quiet house mourning the departure of her last child. But the reality at that time and now is even more subtle. Although the term used to be gender, nowadays, all parents feel emotionally influenced regardless of role or identity.
An empty nest is not a fixed state, but a variable state. For some, it comes with deep pain, disorientation or a sense of loss. For others, it marks a period of updates, space recycling, silence, rediscovery. The nest may remain quiet, or be quarrel with Boomerang’s children, older parents or new partners again. Some keep their homes, such as the time capsule; others completely change them, reimagine their lives, and provide space for new identities, desires, and rhythms.
In the United States, an estimated 20.9 million empty-nest home definitions,,,,, Perhaps narrow, as adults aged 55 and older have no children at home and have at least two spare bedrooms. Zillow Housing Analysis Based on the Census Bureau Microdata. Meanwhile, 18% of adults aged 25-34 still live in their parents’ homes. Pew Research Center reported in 2023 Emphasize the mobility of modern family life.
My own experience inspired this project. My husband and I have three close kids, and my husband and I go from expecting an empty nest to the turbulence of the pandemic when the kids never left or soon left. These shifts made me wonder how others could navigate the same emotional terrain.
This photo article explores between spaces, houses are no longer children-centered, but not completely without their presence. Through interviews and intimate portraits, I documented parents in and around Los Angeles County, whose nests are empty, partially empty or permanently occurring.
For many, this stage is both a loss and a harvest, and sadness and freedom fold into one. Their stories – gentle, complex and often contradictory – show that “empty” is rarely the right word. Instead, what emerges is a quiet change choreography, absence and reshaping often share the same space.
Staci and Peter
Empty nest for ten months; A child
I was a little panicked, she was leaving, we would never talk to her. In fact, the opposite is true. In fact, we talked to her three times a day, sometimes not even yet.
I miss her physically here, so I can hug her. However, I won’t miss this because it comes with all the other things – chaos and chaos.
What we didn’t expect was how difficult it would be to lose a dog and a cat shortly after my daughter went to college – suddenly, the house felt empty with our children and our furry companions. We are still adjusting. Staci
Barry and Debbie
Empty nest store Five years; A child
She is still here most of her life. She collected a lot of horses and stuff. Bari
Barry has been stagnant for a long time. He would stand in front of her room along the corridor. I have a “yes” moment…I feel good as long as I know she’s safe. Debbie (Picture in the picture)
Amy and Eddie
Empty nest for two years; Four children
This is an adjustment. I don’t have to arrange something for dinner…
Their room was left. I take pictures of their rooms and show them how their plants behave, and I will alternate between the nap places. Eddy
This is a mixed bag. This is a relief…but I miss vitality, too. I love the daily exercise, prioritizing myself, seeing clients but ultimately writing. That’s something I’ve wanted to do all my life. Amy
Tiza and Kevin
Empty nest store Nine years, mixed family; Three children
Without children, we never fell in love. When the kids were eight and nine, we got married. We always have kids, so now we can figure out what it would be like to have a relationship without them?
It’s an emotional roller coaster. On one hand, I have extra time – I no longer need to drive here and there, except for my own time, her schedule is in my mind. But on the other hand, I feel lost. What do I want to do now? What else am I doing besides work? who I am? What is my life? What is my happiness and what is my needs? Tiza
Carolina
Empty nest Six months; Two children
After a long-term marriage, I got divorced and didn’t date anyone. I definitely used to be all about my marriage and my kids, and I feel like I did so much for them that I lost myself. I’ve been related to me since I was in my 20s, so I think I’ve been trying to rediscover myself over the years.
I absolutely like not to worry about other people’s freedom. But at the same time, it becomes lonely.
Tony
A brief empty nest, now home; Two children
Both children have lived here for the past few years. My daughter’s furniture is here, replacing mine. I’m trying to support them in everything they do. I like making French toast for them. In most cases, there is no home, or someone else’s sign of anyone.
Sometimes I don’t want anyone in the house to be here. I can’t be myself. This should be my space. It should be my time now.
Alison and David
Empty nest store A year ago, I have relocated my home now; Two children
We converted half of the house into a boy’s room and into a second space to rent. Some passive income. Our goal is to get passive income so that we can retire. My husband wasn’t originally on the boat and it might be strange to think there was a stranger there. But our oldest son and his girlfriend moved in and it worked very well. They pay for rent and have a completely separate space. Alison
Initially, I felt like renting my son to live in his room, but I came, which was strange. We hope they appreciate the income they earn. David
Sandra
Empty nest 3.5 years; A child
The biggest change is to refocus my whole life on me. Overall, the focus of my life is not me, because I always have my patients and my parents are aging [my daughter].
Everyone thought I would lose my mind. Because they think she and I are co-dependent and neither of us can survive. We were both very good.
I can’t say I miss her. I just overscheduled myself to fill the time, but then I realized I didn’t need to do that because I was fine. I am fine!
Melanie and Alby
Empty nest (first time More than 20 years ago, again three years ago); Three children
For most people, “empty nest” is a loading term. For us, this is just a step in evolution. This is a continuum. You might leave; they might walk for a while. They may come back. They may be married, you may have grandchildren. When you take care of their grandchildren, they may go for a year. Everything will happen. albhy
Jenny
Empty nest Five months; Three children
I mainly look forward to being an empty nest and I think I’m glad my kids flew past the chicken coop, but I’m nervous too, but I’m nervous too because I don’t know what to expect.
I’m back to cooking. In the past, everything I did was something they would eat. Now I can make what I want to eat.
I’m definitely more confused when they’re not around. I will definitely relax. I’m not very introverted when going out. I’ve been taking care of myself and finding my own happiness that doesn’t necessarily involve them, but as they disappear, it’s already magnified.
Shannon and Nester
Empty nest store Six months, go home Refill briefly; Two children
You will feel comforted because they know they are in a new stage in their lives and have drawn their own lessons. Or at least I try! One big problem for me is taking a step back and trying not to solve the problem. I need to get them sorted out. I had to try to solve all the problems for them and it was a challenge.
I certainly feel like turning to a bigger problem with life… When you are in parent mode, you invest in the daily activities of kids in the small restaurant. So once it disappears, I certainly find myself thinking about life, what happens afterwards and more questions beyond life. Nester
Wendy and John
Empty nest store Four years; A child
When the two of us are just the two of us, we will argue less. For some reason, even if the kids are angels, the tension will decrease, even if they are an angel – they are scrutinizing your relationship with your partner and these things. John
I have always been a “on standby person” and after she left, I started a brand new career. I kind of feel free. But when I wear a hat, I will fly to save her. Wendy
Interviews have been condensed and edited to clarify
Health & Wellness Contributor
A wellness enthusiast and certified nutrition advisor, Meera covers everything from healthy living tips to medical breakthroughs. Her articles aim to inform and inspire readers to live better every day.
