What's inside the empty nest journal
- How I Feel
- Rediscover Me
- New Chapter Bucket List
- Keeping in Touch
- Reimagine Home
- Gratitude
- Notes
See every page
All 11 pages of the US Letter version, exactly as they print. Tap a page to see it larger.
- 1. Cover
- 2. This Journal Belongs To
- 3. Contents
- 4. How I Feel
- 5. Rediscover Me
- 6. New Chapter Bucket List
- 7. Keeping in Touch
- 8. Reimagine Home
- 9. Gratitude
- 10. Notes
- 11. Thank you page
Who this empty nest journal is for
This journal is for parents whose children have grown up and moved out, whether to college, a first job or a home of their own. It suits mothers and fathers adjusting to a quieter house, couples rediscovering life together and single parents navigating a big change alone. The empty nest can bring sadness, relief, pride and uncertainty all at once, and writing through those feelings helps you honor the past while opening the door to a new, exciting chapter of your own.
How to use your empty nest journal
Use the feelings pages to write honestly about what this change feels like, on good days and hard ones. On the rediscover pages, remember hobbies, interests and dreams you set aside while raising children. Build a bucket list for this new season. Plan simple ways to keep in touch with your grown children without hovering. Reimagine their old room or your shared spaces, and end each week with gratitude for what this stage makes possible.
Formats included
A4 PDF
For printing in most of the world (210 × 297 mm).
US Letter PDF
For printing in the US and Canada (8.5 × 11 in).
Digital PDF
Hyperlinked tabs for tablets and PDF annotation apps.
Ready to start?
Free downloadEmpty Nest Journal questions
Is it for couples or single parents?
Both. Other pages in the 11-page empty nest journal include "How I Feel", "Rediscover Me" and "New Chapter Bucket List", so related notes stay together. Every page is undated, so you can start any day and reprint a page whenever it fills up.
Does it help with hard feelings?
Yes. The feelings pages give space to reflect. Other pages in the 11-page empty nest journal include "How I Feel", "Rediscover Me" and "New Chapter Bucket List", so related notes stay together. Print the A4 or US Letter PDF as often as you need, or write in the digital version on a tablet.
Is there a bucket list?
Yes. Look for the "New Chapter Bucket List" page in the 11-page empty nest journal. Print the A4 or US Letter PDF as often as you need, or write in the digital version on a tablet. Every page is undated, so you can start any day and reprint a page whenever it fills up.
Is the Empty Nest Journal really free?
Yes, the Empty Nest Journal is completely free for personal use. Download the 11-page PDF without an account or email address, print it at home as often as you like and share the page link with friends. Matching bundles on our Etsy shop are optional and paid; this single planner stays free.
What size is the Empty Nest Journal?
The Empty Nest Journal comes in A4 (210 x 297 mm) and US Letter (8.5 x 11 inches), plus a hyperlinked digital PDF for tablets. Choose the file that matches the paper in your printer and print at Actual size or 100%, so nothing is cut off. Both paper sizes have the same 11 pages.
