Divorced Single Mom Says She’s Feeling Lonelier the Older Her Kids Get as She Is No Longer Needed to Take Them Places

A divorced mother has opened up about feeling increasingly lonely as her children grow older, despite still sharing a home with her teenage kids.

Writing on the community forum Mumsnet, the mom shared that while she has no adult company at home, she didn’t expect parenting to feel more isolating with time.

“I have no adult company at home, but do you think it’s fair to say that unless you have lots of friends and family around, parenting actually becomes lonelier the older your kids get?” she wrote. “Mine are now teens, and I feel more isolated now than when they were young.”

The mother explained that when her children were little, her days were filled with social opportunities — trips to the park, playdates, and group activities where she would naturally interact with other parents. Now that her kids are older and more independent, those moments have disappeared.

“Maybe it’s my own fault for not being sociable enough, but did others find this too?” she asked fellow parents in the forum. She wondered whether life might feel more fulfilling again once her children leave home, saying, “Maybe when they fly the nest I’ll get a second wind and be able to live a bit more for myself?”

Many readers responded with empathy, assuring her that these feelings are normal.

“I totally agree with you,” one person wrote. “My youngest started senior school this year, so I don’t even see anybody at the school gates anymore. I can go whole days without seeing another adult.”

That commenter added that they try to meet friends when possible but admitted it’s harder since many people become busier as their kids get older. “Luckily, I have book club once a month and I’m looking into joining a women’s institute where members are around my age,” they shared.

Another user encouraged the mom to embrace her extra time and independence, writing, “This is the time to reconnect with existing friends, make new ones, and get involved in activities you enjoy outside the home.”