Life after Kids with Drs. Brooke and Lynne

In this special holiday episode of Life after Kids, Dr. Brooke and Dr. Lynne dive into the spirit of the season with their beloved "Favorite Things" episode. With enthusiasm, they introduce their curated list of gifts, from luxurious yet affordable fashion finds to unique culinary delights, perfect for filling wish lists or delighting friends and family. Dr. Lynne and Dr. Brooke focus on the joy o...

In this heartwarming episode of "Life After Kids," Dr. Brooke and Dr. Lynne delve into the impactful theme of giving and contribution during the holiday season. With a focus on the significance of December as National Giving Month, the hosts explore various ways to extend a helping hand, emphasize the richness it brings to life, and share personal stories that highlight the power of selfless acts....

In this engaging episode of Life After Kids, hosts Dr. Brooke and Dr. Lynne explore the theme of maintaining the magic of the holiday season when children have grown up and family dynamics change. Their insightful conversation empowers parents to find new ways to celebrate and connect, even when traditional family gatherings evolve. Through personal anecdotes and valuable strategies, the episode p...

In this lively episode of "Life After Kids," Dr. Brooke and Dr. Lynn delve into the importance of celebrating milestone birthdays, particularly focusing on the big 5-0, and the conversation isn't just about birthday parties, but a broader discussion on embracing the aging process with gratitude and a sense of joy. The episode underscores the transformative power of celebration, not only in marking...

No matter how committed, focused, or hardworking you are, and no matter how much time you have spent on the Life after Kids Goals Framewor k, inevitably, life beyond motherhood will have its fair share of setbacks. Setbacks are a natural part of life's journey, and learning how to effectively deal with them is the central theme of the discussion on this week’s episode of Life after Kids. We share...

Have your children grown up and moved out, leaving you navigating a new reality? Join us as we delve  into how women can rediscover their purpose once their primary role as caregivers shifts. This episode of Life after Kids offers valuable insights into the emotional and psychological challenges mothers face when transitioning from full-time parenting to an empty nest. We provided practical advice...

Have you ever noticed that your productivity and mood naturally ebb and flow with the seasons?  And as when we turn the clocks back, heading full steam into winter months and less daylight, it may become increasingly harder to remain upbeat and active.  Welcome back to Life after Kids, where today's conversation dives into understanding how seasonal changes impact productivity and emotional wellbe...

If you miss taking care of and snuggling your babies now that they’re grown and your house is feeling quiet, it might be time to consider a pet! In this episode of Life after Kids the central theme revolves around the significance of pets in our lives, particularly during transitional times such as when children have left home. This episode is a tribute to the power of animals to provide companion...

One of the biggest struggles moms face in an empty nest or almost empty nest is making new friends and building deeper relationships.  And yet, friendships and community are necessities for longevity and living a fulfilling life after kids. The art of making new social connections and the hurdles so many moms of older kids face in this endeavor is the topic of this week’s episode of Life after Kid...

Would you agree that one of the hardest parts about being a mom of grown kids is watching your child struggle or face a major obstacle? In this episode of Life After Kids, we delve into the emotionally charged and challenging topic of what to do if your child is unhappy in college or any post-high school situation with compelling real-life stories and actionable advice. Because let’s face it, a mo...

Just like that, another new season is upon us.  And while we hope you’re finding time to enjoy pumpkin spice lattes and planting colorful mums, we also hope you’ll find some time to check in with your goals for the year and begin to think about your goals for next year as well. Now is the perfect time! In this episode of Life After Kids , we’re talking all about the importance of planning ahead fo...

If you're considering a move now or sometime in the future, you’ll want to listen to this week’s episode of Life after Kids, because moving houses is the topic of discussion.  Even if you aren’t moving anytime soon, still listen to the episode as we also discuss cleaning out your house and going through old storage bins of photos, artwork, and memories.  Key Takeaways: The emotional and physical t...

For much of our adult life we’ve been raising kids, most of us so caught up in their lives that we had little energy left to nourish other relationships including with our spouse.  Now that the kids are older, our marriages may need a little TLC and focus, especially if we want to live a really fulfilling next chapter of life. In this episode of Life after Kids, we dive into the critical topic of...

Staying healthy is key to living a vibrant life after the kids are grown.  Physical and emotional health are common topics of conversation, but why aren’t we talking more about financial health?! In this episode of Life After Kids, we’re interviewing our very first and very special guest, Ken Stillwell, (Dr. Brooke’s husband) to discuss the importance of financial health in  life after kids. Our c...

In this episode of Life After Kids with Doctors Brooke and Lynn e, we delve into the challenges that moms face when trying to make positive changes in their lives, especially when met with resistance from loved ones. This conversation is inspired by a listener's comment that speaks directly to this common and relatable issue. We share our professional insights on why people may feel threatened by...

Want to age vibrantly and live independently for as long as possible?  Then make maintaining your flexibility a priority. On this episode of Life after Kids, we’re discussing the crucial yet often overlooked topic of maintaining flexibility as we age. You’ll learn about the significant impact that flexibility has on our overall well-being, longevity, and quality of life. And our conversation highl...

How are you handling the uprooting of Life after Kids?  Are you taking time to enjoy the journey?  Or do you have your head down and blinders on, just trying to get over the next hurdle or project, thinking you’ll relax and enjoy your life then? In this episode of "Life After Kids, we dive into the significant topic of managing stress and finding joy in the midst of life's hectic seasons. The main...

Walking through your child’s senior year in high school is an exhilarating journey packed with excitement, nostalgia, and undeniable stress—for both parents and students. As your child transitions from high school to their next life phase, aiming to spread their wings and embrace independence, moms often face a dual journey of their own. On this week’s episode of Life after Kids we’re helping you...

YOU ASKED AND WE ANSWERED… One of the most common questions we get asked by our community is “how do I foster a good relationship with my child and their spouse after they leave home and get married?” In this episode of Life after Kids , we’re breaking down the nuanced topic of the shifting dynamics that occur when our kids get married. Our conversation explores common concerns among mothers about...

If you’re seeking a healthy and happy life now that the kids are grown, then you’ll want to pay attention to important research that came out of Harvard led most recently by Dr. Robert Waldinger.  This 85 year study shows that the most important factor for not only happiness but also a long life is connection and community. We’re delving into the profound subject of forging friendships after your...

Are you…facing an empty nest, feeling stuck in a mundane routine, or simply seeking a more intentional existence? Then this episode of Life after Kids is for you. We’re taking a deep dive into finding meaning and fulfillment in daily life, especially as time often feels like it’s slipping away, and this episode is packed with actionable insights and strategies that will resonate with you. Key Take...

Of all the struggles menopause brings for us, perhaps managing our weight is one of the biggest.  Have you noticed that the things you used to do to maintain a healthy weight no longer work like they once did?  In midlife, very often our hormones and the scale become enemy #1.  So in this week’s episode of Life after Kids with Doctors Brooke and Lynne, we’re zeroing in on the labyrinth of perimeno...

In this emotionally charged episode of Life after Kids, we tackle the complex and often heart-wrenching topic of preparing for your child to leave for college, aiming to provide both emotional support and practical tips. Dr. Brooke shares her personal experiences with her son’s transitions to college, underscoring the valuable lessons learned along the way. Key Takeaways: Stages of Grief: Understa...

We are 100% certain that we could all use a little more girlfriend time to make this season of life more fun and more memorable.  But sometimes getting a group of women together can be a little tricky, especially now.  In this episode of Life after Kids, we unpack the enriching world of planning and enjoying girls' nights out and girls' trips. We share a few laughs and tackle the common challenges...

When was the last time you did something just for the pure enjoyment of it?  One of the gifts of our kids getting older is that we have more time to engage in activities that bring us joy.  In this  episode of Life After Kids, we dive into the exciting world of hobbies, specifically tailored to individual Enneagram types. From exploring what defines a hobby to detailed suggestions on how women can...