The Loud Quiet - Empty Nest Living24 Jul 2025

Empty Nesters Go Back To School - E95

You’re never too old... or too deep into the empty nest... to go back to school.

In this episode of The Loud Quiet, we’re joined by our friends Scott and Eileen Nichols, fellow empty nesters, public school educators, and proud parents (and grandparents). They share why they each made the decision to pursue master’s degrees after the kids had left home... and what it’s really like to juggle classes, papers, marriage, and grandparenting.

We talk about the emotional tug of parenting adult kids from afar, what it means to “rescue” without overstepping, and how a family of educators balances professional roles with personal ones. Oh... and we get a glimpse of what it’s like when your grandson goes to school... with his Gigi.

This episode is full of wisdom, warmth, and some real-life looks at how the empty nest season is far from a slow-down. It might just be the time you ramp things up.

Scott’s Podcast: Home Sweet Home - Helping People & Families Thrive https://homesweethome.buzzsprout.com/1790860/follow

🎙️ Have you or someone you know taken on a big challenge in the empty nest? Share your story in The Loud Quiet - Empty Nest Living Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet

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CHAPTERS

0:00 Meet Scott & Eileen Nichols

1:05 Why go back to school in the empty nest?

3:09 The surprising demands of grad school

6:02 Making space as a couple

8:59 Why they moved to Texas during COVID

10:37 Living near some kids... and far from others

12:36 When to step in for your adult child

15:13 The power of a one-bedroom apartment

15:44 Saturday waffles and family game night

17:06 A whole family of educators

19:35 Parenting vs. mentoring

20:01 Gigi at school with her grandson

21:33 Scott's podcast & conclusion

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