Summer used to be packed with popsicles, pool days, and time together. But now... with one child living away and the other working long hours, it just feels different.In this episode of The Loud Quiet, we open up about what it’s been like navigating summer in the empty nest—almost. We talk through our attempts (and occasional misses) at staying connected with our adult kids during the summer months.

From making space for impromptu lunches to feeling guilty while working from home, we wrestle with how to show up for our kids while still honoring our own rhythm as a couple.There’s reflection, laughter, and even a teaser for a future episode on what it’s really like to work with your spouse. Spoiler: It includes impromptu Del Frisco happy hours.🎙️ How are you staying connected with your kids this summer? Join the conversation in The Loud Quiet - Empty Nest Living Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet📬 Want stories like this in your inbox each week? Subscribe to our newsletter https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signupCHAPTERS0:00 Summer connections with your adult children1:02 First summer without a child at home4:13 Working from home... but missing your kid upstairs9:33 The summer is flying by11:17 What are we going to do differently?15:22 Did we forget the kids while focusing on “us”?20:14 Teaser: Working with your spouse#relationships #marriage #recreation #podcast #EmptyNesters #EmptyNesting #Lifeafterkidsleave #Transitiontoanemptynest #Parentingjourney #Reinventingourselves #Newchapterinlife #Emptynestchallenges #Findingpurpose #Rediscoveringhobbies #Relationshipafterkids #Self-discovery #Preparingforanemptynest #Reconnectingasacouple #Growingtogetherafterkidsleave #Familydynamicsafterkidsleave #Supportsystemsforemptynesters #Tipsforsuccessfulemptynesting

Fireworks. Flags. Parades. The Fourth of July used to mean something very specific when the kids were young. But now... in the empty nest... the holiday looks a little different.In this episode of The Loud Quiet, we talk about how the Fourth has changed for us. From packed neighborhood traditions to quieter long weekends, and from firework memories with the kids to unexpected fun as empty nesters. We swap stories, laugh about red MGBs and parade chaos, and explore how this holiday keeps evolving.You might find yourself nodding along... or rethinking how you approach holidays in this season of life.🎙️ Do you still go big for the Fourth? Or has it turned into just another weekend? Let us know in The Loud Quiet - Empty Nest Living Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet📬 Want more real empty nest talk like this? Get the newsletter: Subscribe here https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signupCHAPTERS 0:00 Should we still celebrate the 4th on the 4th? 1:02 Early parades and why cities are shifting dates 2:22 Childhood Fourth of July memories and fireworks 6:06 Pets, backyard fireworks, and changing traditions 8:45 Parades, dating, and our red MGB memory 10:31 Fireworks by boat, blanket, or apartment balcony 14:05 Pool parties, pickup trucks, and Frisco fireworks 15:35 Competitive sports and the fading 4th tradition 18:14 Celebrating early: practicality or loss of tradition? 19:42 From homemade picnics to vendor-only events 21:44 Will adult kids reshape our future Fourths? 22:16 Share your Fourth of July memories with us#relationships #marriage #recreation #podcast #EmptyNesters #EmptyNesting #Lifeafterkidsleave #Transitiontoanemptynest #Parentingjourney #Reinventingourselves #Newchapterinlife #Emptynestchallenges #Findingpurpose #Rediscoveringhobbies #Relationshipafterkids #Self-discovery #Preparingforanemptynest #Reconnectingasacouple #Growingtogetherafterkidsleave #Familydynamicsafterkidsleave #Supportsystemsforemptynesters #Tipsforsuccessfulemptynesting

Judgment. Comparison. That side-eye when you mention you're still financially helping your adult kids. If you're an empty nester, chances are you’ve either given that look... or gotten it.

In this episode of The Loud Quiet, we unpack the topic of financially supporting adult children. We’re not financial advisors, but we are living this in real time. Grad school tuition. Rent. Budgeting lessons. All of it.

We share what we’ve chosen to cover and why, where we draw our boundaries (marriage = financial launch), and how to support in a way that teaches independence... not delays it. We also open up about the tension it can create in your marriage, your wallet, and your expectations of what the empty nest is supposed to feel like.

This one’s honest, maybe a little controversial, and we definitely don’t all agree... sometimes not even with each other.

🎙️ Have you faced this decision? Where do you draw the line? Come join the conversation inside The Loud Quiet - Empty Nest Living Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet

📬 Get fresh episodes and extras in your inbox every week: Subscribe to the newsletter https://theloudquiet.kit.com/signup

iRonick Media - https://ironickmedia.com/

CHAPTERS

0:00 New logo, golf outing, and empty nester firsts

2:13 Should empty nesters support their adult children financially?

4:56 Why judgment and comparison still follow empty nesters

6:58 Is multigenerational living normal again for empty nesters?

7:19 How financial support impacts empty nesters

9:19 Pros of helping adult children launch successfully

13:29 When adult children aren’t emotionally or financially ready

14:19 Can support delay adult children’s independence?

20:12 How empty nesters can support without enabling

25:32 Setting boundaries: graduation, marriage, and milestones

29:41 Teaching financial habits while still supporting

31:41 Privilege, perspective, and reframing how we “help”

#relationships #marriage #recreation #podcast #EmptyNesters #EmptyNesting #Lifeafterkidsleave #Transitiontoanemptynest #Parentingjourney #Reinventingourselves #Newchapterinlife #Emptynestchallenges #Findingpurpose #Rediscoveringhobbies #Relationshipafterkids #Self-discovery #Preparingforanemptynest #Reconnectingasacouple #Growingtogetherafterkidsleave #Familydynamicsafterkidsleave #Supportsystemsforemptynesters #Tipsforsuccessfulemptynesting