Kids & FamilyParentingEducationSelf-ImprovementSociety & CultureRelationships

Empty Nest, Love & Me

Demi-Lee Taylor

You've spent years raising your kids, putting everyone else first, and now they're building lives of their own. So why does it feel like you've lost a part of yourself?

I'm Demi-Lee Taylor, an Empty Nest and Love Languages Coach, and welcome to Empty Nest, Love & Me.

We're talking about the things nobody really prepares us for. Missing our adult kids, learning to communicate differently, finding our way back to our partner, and wondering who we are beyond parenting.

Because empty nesting isn't just about the kids leaving. It's about our relationships, our identity and ourselves too.

Using my See it. Name it. Reset it. Discuss it approach, we'll explore these changes together without being told to "just get a hobby".

Expect three short podshots every week, occasional guest interviews, honest conversations and gentle tools to help you navigate this next chapter.

Play

Open in

11 episodes
a few times a week
Avg 7 min
English

Episodes 11

Newest Oldest Longest

All11 Unplayed11 In progress0 Played0

#10
Yesterday · 6 min
Feeling Lonely Even When You're Not Alone
Feeling Lonely Even When You're Not Alone: The Empty Nest Loneliness Nobody Talks About You've got family, friends and maybe even a partner sitting right beside you, so why do you still feel lonely? When our kids grow up and no longer need us in the same way, we can find ourselves missing the everyday conversations, laughter and little moments that once made us feel connected. And sometimes, being surrounded by people doesn't stop that feeling of loneliness. If you've ever felt guilty for feeling lonely when you've still got people in your life, this episode is for you. In today's episode of Empty Nest, Love & Me, we're talking about: Why loneliness can become more noticeable during the empty nest stage. How changes to our family routines and everyday interactions can leave us feeling disconnected. The difference between being alone and feeling lonely. Why having people around us doesn't always mean we're experiencing the emotional connection we need. Why we sometimes feel guilty for admitting we're lonely. Understanding that having a loving family, friends or a partner doesn't mean we're never allowed to feel disconnected. Recognising what meaningful connection looks like for us. Why being heard, understood and valued can matter more than simply having people around. Using my See It. Name It. Reset It. Discuss It. approach. How noticing our feelings, understanding what's missing and communicating our needs can help us begin reconnecting. A little challenge for you this week I want you to ask yourself one question: "Am I missing having people around me, or am I missing feeling connected to the people already in my life?" Because there's a difference. Maybe you don't need to fill your calendar with more activities or surround yourself with more people. Maybe you're missing those meaningful conversations, the laughter, or simply spending time with somebody who makes you feel heard and understood. So this week, choose one small thing you can do to create more connection. Maybe arrange that coffee with a friend, ask your partner to spend some time together without your phones, or have an honest conversation about how you've been feeling. Remember, you can be surrounded by people and still need connection. And you're allowed to ask for it. Let's stay connected: If today's episode has made you feel a little more understood, please share it with another empty nest parent who might be feeling the same way. And if you're looking for more support, connection or simply somewhere you can have honest conversations about this stage of life, I'd love you to come and join us. Join my FREE Skool Community, The Love Reset Lounge. A welcoming space for empty nest parents to connect, share experiences, access free resources and talk openly with people who understand. Fancy joining me on the podcast? I'm inviting parents to apply to come on Empty Nest, Love & Me for a conversation about their experiences, the challenges they've faced and what they've learned along the way. Your story might help another parent feel a little less alone. Looking for more support? You'll also find my coaching sessions, audio resources and other ways to help you navigate empty nesting, reconnect with your relationships and rediscover yourself. You can find all of this, including how to apply to join me on the podcast and access my FREE community, here: https://theloveresetcoach.com ⭐ And don't forget! Follow Empty Nest, Love & Me on your favourite podcast app. If you've been enjoying our conversations, leaving a rating or review helps other empty nest parents discover the podcast and find the support they might be looking for. Because you don't have to navigate this chapter of your life on your own. With love, Demi-Lee Taylor Empty Nest & Love Languages Coach
#9
Friday · 10 min
The 5 Love Languages: Are You Loving Your Adult Kids the Way They Need?
You've spent years showing your kids how much you love them, from cuddles and bedtime stories to helping them through life's challenges. But now they're adults, have you ever stopped to wonder whether the way you show them love still works for them? Maybe you're trying to help, but they see it as interfering, or you're craving more time together while they're happy with the occasional catch-up. As our kids grow up, their needs change, and sometimes we need to rethink how we show them love too. In today's episode of Empty Nest, Love & Me, we're talking about: Why the way our adult kids experience love can change. What made them feel loved as little kids might not be what makes them feel supported, respected and valued today. Understanding the five love languages in parent and adult kid relationships. Exploring Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Acts of Service, Receiving Gifts and Physical Touch, and how each might look different as our kids become independent adults. When helping starts to feel like interfering. Why doing everything for our kids might once have felt loving, but can sometimes leave them feeling that we don't trust their judgement. Respecting boundaries without feeling rejected. Understanding why less contact, fewer hugs or wanting more independence doesn't automatically mean our adult kids love us any less. Learning to love the adults our kids have become. Why asking what makes them feel supported today can help us build stronger relationships based on communication, trust and mutual respect. A little challenge for you this week: Think about how you've always shown your kids that you love them. Are you the mum who tries to fix everything? The one who buys thoughtful little gifts? Maybe you love spending quality time together, giving hugs or telling them how proud you are. Now ask yourself: "Is this still how my adult child likes to receive love, or am I assuming that what worked when they were little still works today?" And if you get the opportunity, why not ask them something? "What makes you feel supported by me these days?" You might discover that what they need from you now looks quite different from what they needed when they were younger. And that's okay. You don't have to get everything right. You're both learning how to navigate a relationship that's changing. Remember, loving our adult kids differently doesn't mean loving them any less. It means making room for the people they're becoming. Let's stay connected: If today's episode has helped you think differently about how you communicate and connect with your adult kids, why not share it with another empty nest parent? 🎧 Follow Empty Nest, Love & Me on your favourite podcast app so you don't miss our next conversation. ⭐ Enjoying the podcast? Leaving a rating or review, if your listening app allows it, helps other parents discover these conversations and find support too. Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaunashannontaylor Checkout my Link in bio: https://theloveresetcoach.com With love, Demi-Lee Taylor Empty Nest & Love Languages Coach
#8
Wednesday · 7 min
Love Languages Aren't Just for Couples: What About Our Friendships?
Have you ever felt like you're always the friend who checks in, makes the effort and remembers the little things, but sometimes wonder if anyone notices what you need? Or maybe you've got a lovely friend who shows she cares, just not in the way that makes you feel most connected. As our kids grow up and our lives change, we start to realise how important meaningful friendships really are. And sometimes, understanding how we give and receive love can help us see those friendships a little differently. In today's episode of Empty Nest, Love & Me, we're talking about: Why love languages aren't just for romantic relationships. How the five love languages can help us understand the different ways we show care, appreciation and affection in our friendships. When friends show love differently. Why thoughtful gifts, helping out, kind words, quality time or a reassuring hug can mean different things to different people. How friendships change during the empty nest years. Why we might find ourselves craving deeper connections when our kids grow up and our everyday routines change. The difference between different love languages and one-sided friendships. Why understanding how someone expresses care doesn't mean accepting a consistent lack of effort, consideration or support. Learning to communicate what we need from our friends. How honest conversations can help us reconnect, strengthen friendships and build relationships that feel good for both people. A little challenge for you this week: Think about one friendship that's important to you. Ask yourself these three questions: How do I usually show this person that I care? How do they show me that they care? Have I ever actually told them what makes me feel valued in our friendship? Now, if you feel comfortable, do something with those answers. Maybe arrange that coffee you've both been talking about for months. Send a message to say you're thinking about them. Tell them how much you appreciate having them in your life. Or have an honest conversation about how you can make more time for each other. Because friendship isn't just about how much we give. It's also about feeling valued, supported and knowing that the effort goes both ways. And remember, understanding someone's love language doesn't mean overlooking a friendship that's consistently one-sided. You deserve friendships where you feel appreciated too. Let's stay connected: If today's episode has made you think about a particular friend, why not share it with her? It might be a lovely way to start a conversation about what friendship means to both of you. Follow Empty Nest, Love & Me on your favourite podcast app so you don't miss our next conversation. Enjoying the podcast? Leaving a rating or review, if your listening app allows it, helps other empty nest parents find these conversations and feel a little less alone. Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaunashannontaylor Check out my Link in bio: https://theloveresetcoach.com With love, Demi-Lee Taylor Empty Nest & Love Languages Coach
#7
October 26 · 8 min
Why Our Mothers and Grandmothers Never Talked About the Empty Nest
Our mums and grandmothers raised families, watched their kids grow up and leave home, and somehow, they just seemed to get on with it. But did they really cope as well as we think, or were they simply never encouraged to talk about how they felt? If you've ever felt guilty for struggling with the empty nest, or heard that little voice telling you to pull yourself together, you might be carrying expectations that started long before you became a parent. And that's exactly what we're talking about in today's episode. In this episode of Empty Nest, Love & Me, we're exploring: Why previous generations rarely spoke about empty nesting. How expectations around motherhood, being strong and putting everyone else first may have influenced the way our mums and grandmothers dealt with their emotions. The meaning behind "just get on with it". Why silence doesn't necessarily mean someone wasn't struggling, and how those attitudes can be passed down through generations. The beliefs we inherit without realising it. How growing up hearing things like "stop feeling sorry for yourself" can affect the way we respond to our own emotions as adults. Why talking about empty nesting isn't complaining. Understanding that changes in motherhood can affect our identity, confidence, relationships and sense of purpose. How we can do things differently for the next generation. Honouring the strength of the women who came before us while showing our own kids that asking for support and expressing emotions isn't a weakness. A little challenge for you this week Think back to when you were growing up. How did your family deal with difficult emotions? Were you encouraged to talk about your feelings, or were you expected to keep going, no matter what? Write down one message you heard growing up about motherhood, emotions or asking for help. Then ask yourself: "Is this belief helping me in this chapter of my life, or is it stopping me from getting the support I need?" You might discover that some of the expectations you've been placing on yourself were never really yours to begin with. And remember... We can respect the strength of the women who came before us without believing we have to cope in exactly the same way. We can keep their resilience, their love and their determination, while leaving behind the idea that struggling is something to be ashamed of. Let's stay connected: If this episode has made you think about your own mum or grandmother, why not share it with another empty nest parent? Or maybe start a conversation with someone from an older generation about what life was like for them when their kids grew up. You might discover a story you've never heard before. 🎧 Follow Empty Nest, Love & Me on your favourite podcast app so you don't miss our next conversation. ⭐ Enjoying the podcast? Leaving a rating or review, if your listening app allows it, helps other empty nest parents discover these conversations and find support too. Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaunashannontaylor Check out my link in bio here: https://theloveresetcoach.com With love, Demi-Lee Taylor Empty Nest & Love Languages Coach
#6
October 22 · 8 min
Why "Just Get a Hobby" Isn't the Answer
Your kids have grown up, the house is quieter, and suddenly everyone seems to think you should be enjoying all this newfound freedom. But what happens when you're not looking for something to fill your time, you're trying to figure out who you are after years of putting everyone else first? Being told to "just get a hobby" can feel incredibly dismissive when you're struggling with changes to your identity, relationships and sense of purpose. If you've ever felt misunderstood during the empty nest stage, this episode is for you. In today's episode of Empty Nest, Love & Me, we're talking about: Why "just get a hobby" misses the point. Empty nesting isn't simply about having too much spare time. It's about adjusting to a life where your role, routines and relationships are changing. Losing yourself after years of being needed. Why putting everyone else's needs first can leave you wondering who you are and what makes you happy. The difference between keeping busy and feeling fulfilled. Why filling your calendar with activities doesn't necessarily help you reconnect with yourself. Why you don't need to reinvent yourself overnight. Letting go of the pressure to have a grand transformation or know exactly what your next chapter should look like. My See it. Name it. Reset it. Discuss it. approach. Four steps to help you recognise what you're feeling, understand what you need and begin finding your way forward. A little something to think about this week: "Am I looking for something to fill my time, or am I looking for something that helps me feel more like myself?" Because there's a difference. Maybe you don't need another activity, another commitment or another thing added to your calendar. Maybe you need the space to understand what you're feeling, what you've been missing and what you actually want from your life now. And you don't have to have all the answers today. Your kids growing up doesn't mean your purpose has disappeared. It means you're learning what purpose looks like for you now. You deserve more than a distraction. You deserve the opportunity to rediscover yourself. Let's stay connected If this episode resonated with you, please share it with another mum who's tired of being told to "just get a hobby" and get on with life. Because empty nesting deserves a proper conversation, and that's exactly why we're here. 🎧 Follow Empty Nest, Love & Me on Spotify or Apple Podcasts so you don't miss our next conversation. 📖 Read my book, The Mother I Was, available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1837097909 With love, Demi-Lee Taylor Empty Nest & Love Languages Coach
#5
October 20 · 7 min
Are We Still in Love, or Just Used to Each Other?
You've spent years raising a family together, juggling responsibilities and making sure everyone else was looked after. But now that your kids are growing up and no longer need you in the same way, have you started wondering what happened to the relationship you once had? Maybe you still love each other, but somewhere along the way, you've become more like housemates than partners. If you've ever looked across the room and thought, "When did we stop being us?", this episode is for you. In today's episode of Empty Nest, Love & Me, we're talking about: When parenting takes over your relationship. How years of raising kids, managing a home and putting family responsibilities first can leave little room for each other. The difference between being a team and being a couple. Why working well together doesn't always mean you're emotionally connected. Getting to know the person your partner has become. You've both changed over the years, but have you taken the time to discover who you are now? Reconnecting without trying to recreate the past. Why rebuilding closeness can begin with curiosity, affection, honest conversations and making time for one another. Knowing when reconnection takes more than effort. Why love, mutual respect, honesty and a willingness from both partners matter when deciding what comes next. A little something to think about this week If you met your partner for the very first time today, what would you be curious to learn about the person they've become? And perhaps more importantly... What would you want them to discover about you? Sometimes, we spend so long being mum and dad that we forget we're also two individuals with our own needs, dreams and desires. You don't necessarily need to get your old relationship back. Maybe it's about discovering what your relationship could look like with the people you've both become. And remember, reconnecting doesn't have to begin with a grand romantic gesture. Sometimes, it starts with four simple words: "I miss us. Can we talk?" Let's stay connected If today's episode has made you think about your own relationship, why not share it with your partner? You might be surprised by what one thoughtful conversation can uncover. Follow Empty Nest, Love & Me on Spotify or Apple Podcasts so you don't miss our next conversation. Enjoying the podcast? Leaving a rating or review helps other empty nest parents discover these conversations and feel a little less alone. 📖 Read my book, The Mother I Was, available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1837097909 With love, Demi-Lee Taylor Empty Nest & Love Languages Coach
#4
October 18 · 7 min
Helping or Interfering? Knowing When to Step Back
You've spent years protecting your kids, guiding them and helping them through life's challenges. So what happens when they become adults and suddenly don't want your advice anymore? It can be difficult knowing when to step in and when to stand back, especially when all you're trying to do is help. If you've ever felt rejected when your adult kid doesn't take your advice, this episode is for you. In today's episode of Empty Nest, Love & Me, we're talking about: Why helping our adult kids can sometimes feel like interfering, even when everything we do comes from a place of love. The difference between listening and fixing, and why our adult kids don't always want solutions when they share their problems. How our role as parents changes, from managing their lives to supporting them as they make their own decisions. Why being needed can become part of our identity, and how stepping back can bring up unexpected feelings. How to stay close without taking control, allowing our adult kids to develop confidence in their own judgement while knowing we're still there. A little challenge for you this week The next time your adult kid comes to you with a problem, before jumping in with advice, ask them: "Do you want my advice, or do you just need me to listen?" And if they simply want you to listen, give them that space. Sometimes, the greatest support we can offer isn't telling our adult kids what to do. It's showing them we trust them to figure things out. Remember, stepping back doesn't mean stepping out of their lives. You're still their mum or dad. You're simply learning to love them in a different way. Let's stay connected If this episode made you think about how you communicate with your adult kids, why not share it with another empty nest parent who might need to hear it? 🎧 Follow Empty Nest, Love & Me on Spotify or Apple Podcasts so you don't miss our next conversation. ⭐ Enjoying the podcast? Leaving a rating or review helps other empty nest parents discover these conversations and find support too. 📖 Read my book, The Mother I Was, available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1837097909 With love, Demi-Lee Taylor Empty Nest & Love Languages Coach
#3
October 15 · 8 min
When Your Adult Kid Doesn't Reply: What Are You Making It Mean?
In today's episode of Empty Nest, Love & Me, we're talking about: What happens when your adult child doesn't reply, and why something as simple as an unanswered message can bring up feelings of hurt, worry or rejection. The difference between what happened and what you're making it mean, and how the stories we tell ourselves can affect how we feel about our relationships. Why their response time doesn't define your worth as a mum, and how to recognise that your adult child's life and communication habits may have changed. How to stay close without chasing your adult kids, by understanding your feelings, respecting their independence and communicating your needs without accusations or guilt. My See It. Name It. Reset It. Discuss It. approach, and how to separate the facts from your assumptions, understand what's really hurting and decide whether a conversation is needed. A little something to think about this week: When your adult child doesn't reply, what do you find yourself believing about your place in their life? You don't have to pretend it doesn't hurt, and you don't have to assume everything is fine. You can acknowledge your feelings without automatically believing the story your mind is telling you. Your relationship with your adult kids may look different now, but that doesn't automatically mean the love has changed. You're learning how to love them as the adults they're becoming while learning how to look after yourself, too. Let's stay connected If this episode has helped you feel a little more understood, follow Empty Nest, Love & Me so you don't miss our next conversation. 📖 Read my book, The Mother I Was, available on Amazon. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1837097909 With love, Demi-Lee Taylor Empty Nest & Love Languages Coach
#2
October 13 · 7 min
You're Still Their Mum, but That Can't Be All of You
In today's episode of Empty Nest, Love & Me, we're talking about: Who you are beyond being Mum, and why you might feel lost when your children no longer need you in the same way. How you can lose touch with yourself, after years of putting your children's needs and everyone else's happiness first. Why making space for yourself isn't selfish, and how you can continue to love and support your adult kids while rediscovering your own needs and happiness. Why you don't need to rush into reinventing yourself, or fill every spare moment with hobbies just because your life looks different now. How to start reconnecting with the woman you've become, by asking yourself what you've missed, what makes you feel like yourself and what you want this next chapter to look like. A little something to think about this week: If you weren't making every decision around what everybody else needed from you, what is one thing you would want to make space for in your own life? You don't have to go back to the woman you were before you had children. You've grown, changed and lived a life full of experiences. This is about getting to know the woman you are today and recognising that your needs, dreams and happiness matter, too. You're still their mum. But you are also a woman with a life of your own still waiting to be lived. Let's stay connected If this episode has helped you feel a little more understood, follow Empty Nest, Love & Me so you don't miss our next conversation. 📖 Read my book, The Mother I Was, available on Amazon. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1837097909 With love, Demi-Lee Taylor Empty Nest & Love Languages Coach
#1
October 11 · 4 min
Why You're Grieving When Nothing Bad Has Happened
Your adult kids are growing up, building lives of their own, and you're proud of them. So why do you sometimes feel like you're grieving when nothing bad has actually happened? Maybe you miss the noise, the everyday conversations or simply being needed in the way you once were. If you've ever felt guilty for missing your kids when everyone tells you to enjoy your freedom, this episode is for you. In today's episode of Empty Nest, Love & Me, we're talking about: 🪹 Why empty nest grief is real, even when your adult kids are happy, healthy and doing well. 🫶 The little everyday things we miss, from hearing them come through the door to the routines that once filled our days. 🩷 Why pride and sadness can exist together, and why missing your kids doesn't mean you want to hold them back. 💗 The identity shift that comes with active parenting changing, and that difficult question, "Who am I when I'm not needed in the same way?" 🎧 My See it. Name it. Reset it. Discuss it. approach, and how recognising what you miss can help you understand what you need now. A little something to think about this week: What do I miss most, and what might that tell me about what I need now? You don't need to have all the answers today. Your adult kids can be growing into their own lives while you're finding your way into yours. You're still their mum. You're still their dad. And you're still you. Let's stay connected 🪹🩷 If this episode has helped you feel a little more understood, follow Empty Nest, Love & Me so you don't miss our next conversation. 📖 Read my book, The Mother I Was, available on Amazon. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1837097909 With love, Demi-Lee Taylor Empty Nest & Love Languages Coach
October 9 · 2 min
Trailer
The Kids Have Grown Up... So Who Am I Now? Your kids are growing up, they're building lives of their own, and suddenly you're wondering where that leaves you. Maybe the house feels different, your relationship with your partner has changed, or you've looked in the mirror and thought, "Who am I now?" If you've ever been told you should be happy you've got your freedom back, but nobody seems to understand how you're actually feeling, this episode is for you. In this first episode of Empty Nest, Love & Me, we're talking about: 🪹 Why empty nesting can leave you questioning your identity after years of putting everyone else first. 🫶 How our relationships with our adult kids change when they leave home, head off to university or simply need us differently. 🩷 What happens between you and your partner when parenting has been such a big part of your lives. 💗 Why not everyone understands empty nest feelings, and why finding people who do matters. 🎧 What you can expect from our conversations about empty nesting, love languages, relationships and reconnecting with yourself. You're still a mum, but there's more to you than being needed. And you don't have to figure it all out on your own. Let's stay connected 🩷 Follow Empty Nest, Love & Me on Spotify so you don't miss our three weekly podshots. 🫶 Come and find me on Facebook to continue the conversation. 📖 Read my book, The Mother I Was: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1837097909 With love, Demi-Lee Taylor Empty Nest & Love Languages Coach 🪹🫶🩷

Showing 1–11 of 11 episodes