Empty Nest Marriage: Rediscovering Connection with Jim Burns

Jim Burns returns to discuss how couples can reinvent their marriage after children leave home, exploring the unexpected challenges and opportunities of the empty nest phase.

• Empty nest can be challenging as couples suddenly have more time together after years of child-focused living
• The “gray divorce” phenomenon is increasing among those over 50, often due to neglected marriages during child-raising years
• Communication needs reinvention in each marriage phase, particularly when entering the empty nest
• Four powerful questions to discuss: What’s working? What’s not working? What’s confusing? What’s missing?
• Creating a dream list together helps couples envision and plan their next chapter
• “Thank therapy” transforms relationships through intentionally practicing gratitude
• Emotional intimacy precedes physical intimacy, requiring intentional effort from both partners
• Three reflective questions: Do I like who I’m becoming? Is my heart for God growing? Am I giving my spouse only emotional scraps?
• Couples may spend more years together after children leave than they did raising children

For more information on empty nest marriage and Jim’s resources, visit Homeward.com and check out his books and podcasts “Homeward with Jim Burns” and “Embracing Your Season.”

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