How moms can reinvent themselves as they become empty nesters

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeAtlantic CanadaCape BretonNewfoundland & LabradorNewfoundland And Labrador LifestyleNova ScotiaPrince Edward IslandPEI Lifestyle How moms can reinvent themselves as they become empty nesters St. John's life coach says an empty nest doesn’t have to mean an empty life - as kids grow up, it's the perfect time to reinvent yourself Author of the article: By Laura Churchill Duke Published Sep 16, 2026 Last updated 38 minutes ago 5 minute read Deanna J. Hann, from St. John's, N.L., runs Goddess Compass coaching, helping to guide women with greater confidence, create boundaries, personal reinvention and to create a happier, more intentional life. Contributed Article content One day you are at the grocery store with a newborn and an older woman tells you to enjoy every moment because they will be grown up in a blink of an eye. Article content The next day, you discover it is true. Article content Article content Dropping your final child off to college or university and going home to an empty house can be unbearable — especially at first. Article content When you have spent the last chunk of your life as a mom, and making decisions about and around your kids’ life, it can often be difficult and disorienting when you are now in an empty nest. Article content Article content Although it is challenging, there are ways to get through it and come out the other side discovering your new identity. Article content Deanna J. Hann of St. John’s with her son Kristmundur when he was small. Contributed Article content Deanna J. Hann of St. John’s, N.L., knows this firsthand. She went through this life transition with her son, Kristmundur, who is now 26 years old. She says we don’t talk enough about how emotional that transition can be. Article content “For so many years, motherhood gives our lives a rhythm and a purpose. You’re needed every day. You’re the organizer, chauffeur, supporter, problem-solver and cheerleader. Then your child grows into an independent adult — which is exactly what we raised them to do — but suddenly our role changes,” she says. Article content A mixture of feelings Article content During this new transition time, Hann says parents can experience a wide range of feelings. Article content There can be grief because something that defined your everyday life has changed. There can also be loneliness and…