Becoming an empty nester is a huge milestone for moms. 

When the kids leave home, many moms reflect on their parenting journey, and some common regrets start to surface. 

If you’re in the midst of raising your children, take a moment to hear from moms who have been there. 

They’ve shared their three biggest regrets, and their advice might just help you live with fewer of your own.

I Wish I Hadn’t Wished the Time Away

One of the most common regrets from empty nest moms is how often they found themselves wishing for the next stage in their children’s lives. 

When you’re in the thick of diapers, sleepless nights, and temper tantrums, it’s easy to say things like, “I can’t wait until they can talk,” or “I’ll be happy when they start school.” 

But those years fly by faster than you can imagine.

Moms who are now empty nesters often say they wish they could go back and slow down. 

They would soak in the moments rather than rush through them. 

So if you find yourself wishing for the next phase, try to pause and enjoy where you are right now. 

It’s easier said than done, but it’s advice you won’t regret following.

I Would Have Worked Less

Many moms reflect on their work-life balance and wish they had spent more time at home with their kids. 

Life can get busy, and sometimes work seems like the most important thing. 

But when the kids are grown and gone, moms often realize that those work projects weren’t as important as they seemed.

The time spent working late or saying “just a minute” could have been time spent with their children, soaking up playtime, hugs, and memories. 

While it’s necessary to work, many empty nesters wish they had said “yes” to family moments more often and “no” to work when they had the chance.

I Wish I Had Just Enjoyed It More

Another big regret moms have is spending too much time worrying. 

Whether it was about hitting developmental milestones, keeping a perfect house, or planning the next activity, moms often realize they wasted time stressing over things that weren’t that important in the grand scheme of things.

Empty nesters frequently say they wish they had let go of those worries and focused on enjoying the little moments. 

The cuddles, the laughter, the hugs—those are the memories they cherish now. 

Instead of focusing on whether everything was perfect, they wish they had embraced the chaos and lived in the moment.

The Takeaway

If you’re in the middle of raising your kids, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day struggles. 

But hearing from moms who are now empty nesters reminds us to slow down and appreciate the journey. 

Don’t wish the time away, don’t let work take over, and try not to worry too much about the small stuff. 

Enjoy the hugs, the playtime, and the little moments. 

These are the memories you’ll hold onto long after your kids leave home.