Publisher Description

The purpose of Empty Nest, What's Next? is to help parents adjust to their changing roles as parents of adult children. Unlike the first eighteen years of parenting, moms and dads now take on more of an advisory role and step out of the daily hands-on instructional role. In theory, this stepping to the sidelines parenting style should lead to a simpler, less stress-free life for the parents. However, real-life parenting young adults is often much more challenging than all the earlier years put together. Combine young adult immaturity with a dangerous world, and parents frequently find themselves beset with worry, fear, and anxiety. Intellectually letting go is one thing; emotionally letting go is much more difficult, especially when the consequences are adult sized.

This resource will offer parents true stories of other moms and dads who are facing the very same challenges. Parents will discover a biblical model of faith-inspiring exercises that enable them to not simply cope with the demands of parenting their young adult children, but also to find peace, freedom, and joy in the process. Empty Nest, What's Next? will offer encouragement, practical suggestions, and lots of comical asides to the always-evolving role of parenting.
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Review

I am an empty nester so I know no," I guarantee" If you are a parent, you will "need" this book at some point in your life. Empty nesting is a difficult time of life and Michele Howe's words are the bandage you will need to help heal, whether you require a companion during a good cry or a wise counselor to point the way ahead. I wish I d had Michele s book when I was limping through the empty nest stage.
Jeannie St. John Taylor
Author, Illustrator, Radio host"
In her new book, "Empty Nest, What s Next," Michele Howe captures perfectly the angst and challenges associated with being an empty-nester and parent of adult hits all the important topics we never think about, and lays them out in a concise and easy-to-read manner . . .
Rick Johnson
Bestselling author of "That's My Son," "That's My Teenage Son," and "Becoming Your Spouse's Better Half""
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY REVIEW: Howe ("Burdens Do a Body Good"), a "PW" reviewer, looks at a relatively unaddressed topic in parenting literature: relating to adult children. A mother of four young adults, Howe draws extensively on her own experience as well as that of others. She covers ground logically, examining myriad possibilities (grandparenting, children s in-laws, adult-sized mistakes, and more). The book is strongly Christian; each chapter begins with a Bible verse and ends with a prayer. Parents for whom the faith of their children s potential mate is not a major issue will likely have other strategies that rely less on faith and more on psychology. Chapters are at times frustratingly short, as if the author has just gotten going on a subject but time is up. Still, Howe has an earnest, been-there (and there includes being in court with a child) authorial voice that speaks with candid strength. Christian readers might find themselves using the book as a daily devotional, given the volume s short chapters and regular prayerful advice.
"Publishers Weekly, Agent: Les Stobbe, Leslie H. Stobbe Literary ""
This isn t just a book; it s a spiritual devotional designed to shape your heart, turn you back toward God and help you grow through a sometimes painful but also liberating season of life the years of the empty nest. Though there is much wise and practical advice, in the end Michele offers hope and turns us back to dependence upon God. I was challenged, encouraged and renewed to make these empty nest years ones filled with joy instead of worry; hope instead of despair; and new promise instead of old regret.
Gary Thomas
Author of "Sacred Marriage "and "A Lifelong Love""

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