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 transf…

No matter how committed, focused, or hardworking you are, and no matter how much time you have spent on the Life after Kids Goals Framework, 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 …

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 parenti…

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 …

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 tr…

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 t…

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 …

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 talki…

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 memor…

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 Lif…

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 importan…

In this episode of Life After Kids with Doctors Brooke and Lynne, 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 profession…

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…

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…

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 we…

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 conversat…

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 pr…

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 an…

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…

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…

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 sha…

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…

For almost all mothers, the best thing that ever happened to us is our kids. And yet, after they’re born so many of our own needs take a back seat to theirs. Their lives become our lives and often there are areas of our own life that get neglected. One of those areas is an important one. It’s our relationship with our spouse or significant other. C…

We all heard it straight from Ferris Bueller when we were younger, but in this phase of life, we’re fully comprehending what he meant. Life does indeed move pretty fast and if you blink, you could miss it. That’s why tools like goal setting and mid-year goal check ins are so important for making the most of our life now that the kids are grown, and…

Welcome to another episode of "Life after kids with Doctors Brooke and Lynne," where we dive into the stereotypes surrounding aging and how to defy them. This episode promises to debunk the myths of what it means to grow older and explores the endless possibilities awaiting those around and over the age of 50. The conversation kicks off by delving …

For many midlife moms, just when life just starts to get a little quiet because the kids have grown up, we’re faced with another life event that can rock us to our core…taking care of aging family members. In this episode of Life after Kids, we’re wading into the sensitive and complex topic of caregiving for aging parents, a reality faced by many i…

One of the biggest struggles for moms is connecting with our older kids on a deeper level to improve our relationship as they leave the nest. In this episode of Life after Kids with Doctors Brooke and Lynne, we delve deep into the complexities of connecting with grown children. This discussion serves as a guide for parents who yearn to maintain and…

In the latest episode of Life after Kids, we welcome you into an intimate and nostalgic conversation that takes a delightful stroll down memory lane. Join us in a lively discussion about the quirks, the culture, and the cherished memories that define our experiences of motherhood and the evolution of personal technology from our childhood years. Th…

No matter how old we get or how old our kids get, we never STOP WORRYING ABOUT THEM! Worrying is often what mothers do best… In this heartfelt and genuine discussion, we dive into the universal experience of parental worry as their children grow older and gain independence. We explore how to cope with children leaving for college and embarking on t…

In this episode of Life after Kids, we discuss how to find motivation and purpose when you have more time on your hands, particularly after entering the empty nest phase of life. We explore the complexities of adjusting to life when the busyness of raising children subsides, offering tangible advice and insights to those searching for fulfillment i…

It’s said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If that’s the case, of all the people we think beautiful, we should be enamored with what we see in the mirror most of all. You’re invited into an honest and nuanced discussion about body image, aging, and self-acceptance on this week’s episode of Life after Kids. Delve with us into what it means…

In this engaging episode of Life after Kids, we unpack the essentials of creating successful partnerships and collaborations, whether in business, personal relationships, or friendly endeavors. Today’s conversation is perfectly tailored for women who are at the crossroads of self-expression and expansion after their children have grown up. Key Take…

In this episode Life after Kids with Drs. Brooke and Lynne, we dive into the complexities of relationships, particularly the dynamic between adult children and their aging parents. As members of the "sandwich generation," many adults face the dual responsibilities of caring for their kids and their own parents simultaneously—a situation ripe for em…

If you’re feeling a bit lost now that the kids are grown and you want to get to know yourself again, consider travel and new hobbies as a means of self-discovery and growth. In this episode of Life after Kids, we explore how to find joy and meaning in activities such as solo travel and engaging in new hobbies. And, we offer practical tips and consi…

Don’t let these 2 things stop you from living a fabulous life now that your kids are grown! On today’s episode of Life after Kids, we’re delving into the common hurdles of jealousy and pride, discussing how these two things can rob us of joy during a pivotal time of life transition. And we’re having a candid discussion about the nuances of finding …

We all want to be fulfilled and happy in this phase of life, but somedays it feels like we’re swimming upstream. There are a few basic things that all of us need to flourish in this phase of life, but many of us don’t know what they are. In this episode of "Life after Kids," we’re talking about the primary needs that are fundamental at all stages o…

Would you agree that bigger kids mean bigger problems? In this phase of life, one of our biggest struggles is learning how to best parent our older kids. We all seem to be getting a crash course in letting go. In this engaging episode of Life after Kids we’re examining the evolving challenges of parenting as children grow older, moving from the sim…

If you’re ready to explore what’s next now that the kids are grown and you want your presence to make an impactful difference, it might be time to get out of your own way and leave your comfort zone behind! In this episode, we’re having an honest conversation about embracing risks and the importance of personal growth in midlife. Seeking comfort ma…

Is there anything that keeps a mom of grown kids up more at night than worrying about whether you prepared them enough to be independent in the world? This is an issue for so many of us and let’s face it, “mom guilt” is real, so, in this episode of Life after Kids we’re diving into the often-challenging journey of parenting older kids and the proce…

If there’s one thing that will keep us from finding new purpose in this phase of life more than anything else, it’s the fear of not being perfect or good enough followed by a whopping dose of procrastination! In this week’s episode of Life after Kids we unravel the intricate relationship between procrastination and perfectionism. We discuss how the…

The most commom cause of death in women over 40 is heart and cardiovascular disease. After all these years, the number one threat to our health and our life is heart issues. And since it’s Valentine’s Week and American Heart Month, we thought a discussion on best practices for keeping your heart healthy naturally would be prudent. In this episode, …

We’re breaking down our unique Find Your Purpose Quiz so you’ll have a better understanding of your results and what to do with them We meticulously break down the possible outcomes of the quiz, and we provide actionable advice on how you can leverage this newfound knowledge to pursue meaningful and fulfilling endeavors that align with your natural…

Most of us struggle with feelings of loneliness and even grief in this phase of life, we’re tackling the often-under-acknowledged issue of finding joy and fulfillment after the kids have grown and flown the nest. This episode of Life After Kids explores the complex emotions and challenges that arise when parents are left to rediscover their own ide…

Fear is at the root of so many issues in midlife. There are so many things that we dwell on and we're fearful about that we just need to let go of already! In this episode of Life after Kids, we delve into the complexities of fear through the lens of the Enneagram, an ancient personality framework. And we have a profound discussion about how unders…

Hormone shifts, emotional upheaval, and big life changes… Without a doubt, this season of life has its own set of struggles. The questions we must ask ourselves are, “what are we going to do about it?”, and “How are we going to choose to handle the difficult times?” In today’s episode of Life after Kids, we’re discussing the importance of accepting…

Why is it at our age and with our experience so many of us still tend to minimize ourselves? In this episode of Life after Kids, we’re discussing the importance of focusing on our strengths rather than weaknesses. Key Takeaways: Focusing on strengths and talents leads to greater happiness and fulfillment. Comparing ourselves to others and focusing …

Have you taken time to think through all the incredible things you’d like to do in 2024? Have you thought about TRAVELING in the New Year? In this episode, we’re discussing all things travel, including planning, saving, being intentional, and our favorite destinations! As with any goal you have in life, you either have a plan or you plan to fail. T…

There’s a time and place for everything and sometimes you just need a light-hearted fluff conversation and an opportunity to relax, and binge watch a little tv. In this episode of Life after Kids, we’re keeping it casual and discussing our favorite binge-worthy shows just in time for the holiday break Key Takeaways: Historical dramas like "Downton …

What if we told you, it’s possible to eat the foods you love during the holidays without suffering for it in January? In this episode of, we’re sharing practical tips for managing weight during the holiday season, so you don’t get to the New Year feeling inflamed, bloated, 10 lbs. heavier, and just plain blah. Key Takeaways: Focus on physical healt…

Be still all of our hearts! It’s the holiday season and if you’re like us, you know how rapidly time is marching on and you want to make the most of every moment you have with your grown kiddos! Whether your kids are in school, coming home from college, or out on their own and visiting for the holiday, you’ll want to listen to this week’s episode o…