A couple being by themselves once the children move out is commonly termed Empty Nest. & this usually happens once the children are 20 years or older and have moved out for college or career. But these days younger parents could be facing a half-empty nest with kids even as young as 10 years.
As the child approaches middle school and starts building a network of friendship and hobbies, she is away from home for more than half the day. Moreover she has started making her own decisions for trivial matters of clothing, feeding and the like so interactions with parents are limited in this sense too.
For material things like food, money and complex social situations, she may still need you; the parent; and your role as a provider gets fulfilled therein. But you may start missing the hugs and kisses, the series of ‘why questions’ & the silly jokes, pillow fights as there is no room for it!
Staying in the moment and cherishing time with your child is the best parenting experience one can provide. Afterall this mid-life half-empty next would only make the parent stronger for what comes a decade later – a fully empty nest ☹
Nidhis.daily.blog 