Publisher’s Description:
“The empty nest can be one of the toughest parts of parenting. It’s a holy, hard giving-back, a sacred release of our children into God’s care and their next chapter. But you, too, have a new chapter, and you can find peace as you transition from mom to empty nest mom and rediscover that mom is not your only name.
Have you asked yourself:
• Who am I now?
• What is my purpose now that my children are gone?
• What gifts and talents do I have to offer?
• What should my priorities be?
• How do I become something more than “Mom?”
You’re not alone, mama. Among the tears and apprehension of this brand-new season or the joy and celebration that you finally have your house back, you can find a new purpose as one mothering era ends and another begins. You’ll discover your life is more than carpooling, laundry, and cries of “Where are my shoes?” And you’ll find freedom to act on the dreams you deferred while handling the responsibilities of raising your children.
There is a second act, a future with your name on it, different from your children’s but filled with hope and surprises you cannot begin to imagine…if you plan for it, believe in it, and, with the Lord’s help, walk fearlessly into it.
You are cordially invited to the After Party…because Mom is not your only name.
My Review:
This is a book that I wish had been written in the years before I became an empty-nest mom. That’s been many years ago now, and from personal experience, I think the author has given some much-needed advice about how to prepare to become an empty nester. The author has also very accurately described the emotions that an empty nester mom can feel. But she’s also very astutely addressed other issues such as marriage; a child who has walked away from faith; personal goals; single mothers who become empty nesters; and how to build a community of encouragement in reaching out to others who might be experiencing a sense of loss or needing to find their next direction as they have stepped into a new season of life. I loved the author’s warm and caring writing style. This is a book that I am going to recommend to moms who are facing this next step in their lives.
This book is filled with scripture, prayers, and common sense advice for all who are in this season of life. This is a book that I am going to personally recommend to moms who are facing this next step in their lives.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
About the Author:
Kate Battistelli, speaker and author of Growing Great Kids and The God Dare, represents one-third of the popular Mom to Mom Podcast, bridging the generation gap with a biblical example of mentoring in every season of motherhood. As a young actress in New York City in the early 80’s, Kate went from understudy to starring as Anna in the Broadway National Tour of “The King and I” opposite Yul Brynner for more than 1,000 performances—a life-altering experience. Kate and her husband, Mike, live near their son-in-law and daughter, Francesca Battistelli, and their seven grandchildren in the charming town of Franklin, TN.”