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The After Party of the Empty Nest: Mom is Not Your Only Name
The empty nest can be one of the toughest parts of parenting. It’s a holy, hard giving-back, a sacred release of our children into God’s care and their next chapter. But you, too, have a new chapter, and you can find peace as you transition from mom to empty nest mom and rediscover that mom is not your only name.
Have you asked
� Who am I now?
� What is my purpose now that my children are gone?
� What gifts and talents do I have to offer?
� What should my priorities be?
� How do I become something more than “Mom?�
You’re not alone, mama. Among the tears and apprehension of this brand-new season or the joy and celebration that you finally have your house back, you can find a new purpose as one mothering era ends and another begins. You’ll discover your life is more than carpooling, laundry, and cries of “Where are my shoes?� And you’ll find freedom to act on the dreams you deferred while handling the responsibilities of raising your children.
There is a second act, a future with your name on it, different from your children’s but filled with hope and surprises you cannot begin to imagine…if you plan for it, believe in it, and, with the Lord’s help, walk fearlessly into it.
You are cordially invited to the After Party…because Mom is not your only name.
Kate Battistelli, speaker and author of Growing Great Kids and The God Dare, represents one-third of the popular Mom to Mom Podcast, bridging the generation gap with a biblical example of mentoring in every season of motherhood. As a young actress in New York City in the early 80’s, Kate went from understudy to starring as Anna in the Broadway National Tour of “The King and I� opposite Yul Brynner for more than 1,000 performances—a life-altering experience. Kate and her husband, Mike, live near their son-in-law and daughter, Francesca Battistelli, and their seven grandchildren in the charming town of Franklin, TN.
Have you asked
� Who am I now?
� What is my purpose now that my children are gone?
� What gifts and talents do I have to offer?
� What should my priorities be?
� How do I become something more than “Mom?�
You’re not alone, mama. Among the tears and apprehension of this brand-new season or the joy and celebration that you finally have your house back, you can find a new purpose as one mothering era ends and another begins. You’ll discover your life is more than carpooling, laundry, and cries of “Where are my shoes?� And you’ll find freedom to act on the dreams you deferred while handling the responsibilities of raising your children.
There is a second act, a future with your name on it, different from your children’s but filled with hope and surprises you cannot begin to imagine…if you plan for it, believe in it, and, with the Lord’s help, walk fearlessly into it.
You are cordially invited to the After Party…because Mom is not your only name.
Kate Battistelli, speaker and author of Growing Great Kids and The God Dare, represents one-third of the popular Mom to Mom Podcast, bridging the generation gap with a biblical example of mentoring in every season of motherhood. As a young actress in New York City in the early 80’s, Kate went from understudy to starring as Anna in the Broadway National Tour of “The King and I� opposite Yul Brynner for more than 1,000 performances—a life-altering experience. Kate and her husband, Mike, live near their son-in-law and daughter, Francesca Battistelli, and their seven grandchildren in the charming town of Franklin, TN.
- GenresParenting
216 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 25, 2025
17 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Kate Battistelli
5books159followersKate Battistelli is the author of The After Party of the Empty Nest: Mom is Not Your Only Name, the bestseller, The God Dare: Will You Choose to Believe the Impossible, and Growing Great Kids: Partner with God to Cultivate His Purpose in Your Child’s Life. She's a contributing writer to the (In)courage Bible for Women and The Spirt-Led Woman's Bible, and her writing has appeared in Guideposts, The Joyful Life magazine, The Better Mom, Mici magazine, and more. She is one-third of the popular Mom to Mom Podcast. In addition, she is an honoree with She Leads Tennessee.
As a young actress in New York City, Kate had a life-changing experience, going from understudy to starring as Anna in the Broadway National Tour of The King and I opposite Yul Brynner for more than 1,000 performances. Kate and her husband laid down their careers in the Broadway theatre in answer to their first “God Dare�, moving out of New York City and into a life of homeschooling and home business. She lives in Franklin, TN, near her daughter Francesca and seven grandchildren. Kate serves women by encouraging them to step out of their safe space and into His irresistible future.
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As a young actress in New York City, Kate had a life-changing experience, going from understudy to starring as Anna in the Broadway National Tour of The King and I opposite Yul Brynner for more than 1,000 performances. Kate and her husband laid down their careers in the Broadway theatre in answer to their first “God Dare�, moving out of New York City and into a life of homeschooling and home business. She lives in Franklin, TN, near her daughter Francesca and seven grandchildren. Kate serves women by encouraging them to step out of their safe space and into His irresistible future.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 29, 2025
This is a book that I wish had been written in the years before I became an empty-nest mom. That has been many years ago now, and from personal experience, I think the author has given some much-needed advice about how to prepare to become an empty nester. The author has also very accurately described the emotions that an empty nester mom can feel. But she’s also very astutely addressed other issues such as marriage; a child who has walked away from faith; personal goals; single mothers who become empty nesters; and how to build a community of encouragement in reaching out to others who might be experiencing a sense of loss or needing to find their next direction as they have stepped into a new season of life. I loved the author’s warm and caring writing style. This is a book that I am going to recommend to moms who are facing this next step in their lives.
This book is filled with scripture, prayers, and common sense advice for all who are in this season of life. This is a book that I am going to personally recommend to moms who are facing this next step in their lives.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
This book is filled with scripture, prayers, and common sense advice for all who are in this season of life. This is a book that I am going to personally recommend to moms who are facing this next step in their lives.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
April 16, 2025
I have never dreaded having an empty nest and yet I have found it challenging to figure out who I am outside of being a mom. After all, it has been my favorite job ever! Maybe you’re in this same stage of having a practically-empty nest like me or maybe your nest is completely empty, or will be soon. If so, I highly recommend reading this book. It isn’t so much a “how-to� as it’s an encouraging and inspiring reminder that your story isn’t over yet.
March 31, 2025
When I read the title of Kate Battistelli’s new book, “The After Party of the Empty Nest,� I knew I had to read further. Two phrases of which I would have never put together in one sentence were “After Party� and “Empty Nest!� Kate’s book arrived at just the perfect time in my life. Though I have already launched a few birds from the nest, our other ones are precariously close to leaving, and I admit that the words “after party� were not what I considered when contemplating my imminent empty nest.
I read Kate’s book with ease, yet the depth, transparency, and practicality of her writing is powerful and much needed. Kate writes with truth, validation, and personal experience to draw the reader into encouragement, greater faith, and hope. I especially appreciated the layout of the book, in that each chapter ends with pertinent discussion questions, applicable scripture verses, and a powerful prayer that correlates to each chapter’s topic. “The After Party of the Empty Nest� offers practical, realistic suggestions and ideas for navigating this oftentimes confusing and emotionally charged season. I loved her description, too, of identifying empty nest moms as either swallows, robins, or mourning doves. Such a great analogy and easily relatable.
“The After Party of the Empty Nest� is a must-read, not just for those currently in the season of empty nest, but for those in between, at the beginning, the end, or even prior! Whatever season of the empty nest you find yourself, you can be sure that Kate’s book will resonate with you. I highly recommend “The After Party of the Empty Nest.�
I read Kate’s book with ease, yet the depth, transparency, and practicality of her writing is powerful and much needed. Kate writes with truth, validation, and personal experience to draw the reader into encouragement, greater faith, and hope. I especially appreciated the layout of the book, in that each chapter ends with pertinent discussion questions, applicable scripture verses, and a powerful prayer that correlates to each chapter’s topic. “The After Party of the Empty Nest� offers practical, realistic suggestions and ideas for navigating this oftentimes confusing and emotionally charged season. I loved her description, too, of identifying empty nest moms as either swallows, robins, or mourning doves. Such a great analogy and easily relatable.
“The After Party of the Empty Nest� is a must-read, not just for those currently in the season of empty nest, but for those in between, at the beginning, the end, or even prior! Whatever season of the empty nest you find yourself, you can be sure that Kate’s book will resonate with you. I highly recommend “The After Party of the Empty Nest.�
April 4, 2025
When my last child left home, I found myself adrift in a sea of emotions I wasn't prepared for. I only wish Kate Battistelli had written "The After Party of the Empty Nest" sooner. Kate offers both compassionate understanding and practical wisdom for this unexpected season. Battistelli doesn't sugarcoat the challenges of the empty nest—she acknowledges the grief while simultaneously illuminating the opportunities that await. Her gentle guidance helped me reframe this transition not as an ending but as a doorway to rediscovering passions and purposes I had set aside during my active parenting years.
As Battistelli writes, "Your empty nest is not about loss but about possibility. It's God's invitation to step into the fullness of who you were always meant to be." This perspective transformed my outlook completely. Rather than viewing myself as a mother whose primary job was finished, I began to embrace this new chapter with hope and expectation. For any hands-on mother struggling with the quiet of an empty home, this book offers both comfort for your heart and a roadmap for your future. Battistelli's wisdom makes her the perfect guide for turning what feels like a conclusion into a beautiful beginning.
As Battistelli writes, "Your empty nest is not about loss but about possibility. It's God's invitation to step into the fullness of who you were always meant to be." This perspective transformed my outlook completely. Rather than viewing myself as a mother whose primary job was finished, I began to embrace this new chapter with hope and expectation. For any hands-on mother struggling with the quiet of an empty home, this book offers both comfort for your heart and a roadmap for your future. Battistelli's wisdom makes her the perfect guide for turning what feels like a conclusion into a beautiful beginning.
March 26, 2025
“Change takes Courage.� This quote from The After Party of the Empty Nest: Mom is Not Your Only Name resonated with me as I contemplated life as an empty-nester. While I am not an empty-nester, and most-likely will never be, each chapter spoke to me about the process of letting go of our children, so they can step into God’s purpose for their lives, and we, as their moms, can do the same.
Whether you still have children at home or have been an empty-nester for years, this book will be your guide as you venture into the unknown space of life beyond motherhood. Each chapter includes the author’s personal life experiences, as well as testimonies from moms who are living with an empty nest, insightful discussion questions, Scriptures to meditate on, and a prayer to encourage the mother’s heart. A must-read for any empty-nester.
Whether you still have children at home or have been an empty-nester for years, this book will be your guide as you venture into the unknown space of life beyond motherhood. Each chapter includes the author’s personal life experiences, as well as testimonies from moms who are living with an empty nest, insightful discussion questions, Scriptures to meditate on, and a prayer to encourage the mother’s heart. A must-read for any empty-nester.
March 31, 2025
The After Party of the Empty Nest is a must read for any woman who's facing a change in life circumstances. Not because of something she did or didn't do, but because loss and change and growth are part of life.
Kate Battistelli shares her journey as an empty nester and encourages other moms who are approaching or in the same stage. The subtitle, Mom is Not Your Only Name, shares the purpose of the book: Reminding women that they are more than a mother, more than a wife, more than a daughter or sister or aunt. They are beloved women of God, created by Him for His purposes.
Each chapter includes personal testimonies from other women, discussion questions, Scripture verses, and a prayer.
I've been an empty nester for a while now, and I found the book to be full of encouragement and wisdom.
I highly recommend it!
Kate Battistelli shares her journey as an empty nester and encourages other moms who are approaching or in the same stage. The subtitle, Mom is Not Your Only Name, shares the purpose of the book: Reminding women that they are more than a mother, more than a wife, more than a daughter or sister or aunt. They are beloved women of God, created by Him for His purposes.
Each chapter includes personal testimonies from other women, discussion questions, Scripture verses, and a prayer.
I've been an empty nester for a while now, and I found the book to be full of encouragement and wisdom.
I highly recommend it!
April 29, 2025
Packed full of Scripture, testimonies, and wisdom for navigating its challenges, this book helps prepare moms for the unavoidable empty nest. Let’s face it, every parent will experience its reality and the range of emotions that goes along with it. It’s a transitional phase that feels very unsettling and lonely for most moms. A time of changing roles and shifting priorities that tests a faithful mom’s equilibrium. While there is no one size fits all solution to embracing the empty nest, this book will help! Kate Battistelli offers plenty of encouragement, inspiration, and practical ideas to help moms settling into the empty nest with grace, and soar out of it with renewed hope and a sense of purpose.
March 31, 2025
We are about to send out last one out this fall and this book couldn’t have come at the best time! God really does provide when you need it! This part of your life is so over looked and I am so grateful for Kate to write this! I’m in a time of my life that is just weird! Friends with babies, young kids, teens, grown, and grand babies, so this book helps gives me a new look at this next chapter in my life and giving me a positive look at it! It helps me look at it as God still has more for me and that life is not over! I even recommend this book for ones that aren’t there yet! It’s never too early to think about your future!
April 3, 2025
An empty nest is one of the biggest transitions a mom will face. The kids move on, and we are left behind wondering who we are and how to deal with the sudden void.
This book helps us transition purposefully and joyfully through the empty nest years into the next act of our lives.
We moms don’t all face an empty nest the same way. This book acknowledges moms at different places on the emotional spectrum, gently helping all of us find new purpose.
If you are approaching this stage of life, or are in it now, you'll find practical advice and gentle encouragement to move through it and into new purpose.
April 3, 2025
The last thing I was thinking about the empty nest is that it can be a party. More like a funeral, if you would have asked me a month ago. However, Kate’s warm, encouraging words are letting hope sink into my heart. She even has a chapter just for single moms. As I read her book, I’m gently led forward in faith that things will be not just okay, but good, even while my nest empties. I’m grateful she’s showing me how I can celebrate some new things I hadn’t even considered before. That’s why it can feel like a party instead of a funeral.
April 3, 2025
From One Empty Nest Mom to Another
Moms often feel bewildered in this season of parenthood. Kate offers practical insights and truly understands the heartache and adjustment a mom needs to make as her children leave home.
I love that Kate interspersed testimonials from moms learning to navigate this challenging shift. Their candor and insight helped me feel understood.
Kate addresses what moms need and then sets them up to do the necessary work to succeed in the empty nest. The book is encouraging, practical, and hope-filled.
Moms often feel bewildered in this season of parenthood. Kate offers practical insights and truly understands the heartache and adjustment a mom needs to make as her children leave home.
I love that Kate interspersed testimonials from moms learning to navigate this challenging shift. Their candor and insight helped me feel understood.
Kate addresses what moms need and then sets them up to do the necessary work to succeed in the empty nest. The book is encouraging, practical, and hope-filled.
March 22, 2025
Excellent resource for empty-nesters. I am a parent and grandparent and this book touched my heart in many ways. As I read the words, I recognized many of the emotions of this empty-nester journey. God has a plan for each of us and His plan continues in every moment. This book includes personal reflections, prayer, Scripture, and more. This book is great to give as a gift. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.
March 31, 2025
This is the book you're looking for. This book is exactly what I needed when I needed it. Of course it is a book on how to prepare yourself for an empty nest, but it also helps you realize your identity isn't in your kids it is in Christ. Perfect for an empty nester, but even better for someone who will soon be an empty nester. Or even a year or two away. It will help you to prepare your home and your heart for this big change in your life. I highly recommend it, you definitely want to read it!
April 1, 2025
Highly recommend for those preparing for or about to enter the empty nest!
When we first bring our babies home, we are told to enjoy the moments because the time will FLY by! Sadly, no one shares how to prepare for the next season of motherhood, the empty nest. Is it a season to dread or a season to celebrate? In her newest book, Kate Battistelli shares that there will be emotions, but there are also incredible opportunities and excitement awaiting us for this next season of motherhood.
When we first bring our babies home, we are told to enjoy the moments because the time will FLY by! Sadly, no one shares how to prepare for the next season of motherhood, the empty nest. Is it a season to dread or a season to celebrate? In her newest book, Kate Battistelli shares that there will be emotions, but there are also incredible opportunities and excitement awaiting us for this next season of motherhood.
April 1, 2025
The After Party of the Empty Nest was a godsend. It arrived in my life exactly when I needed it and I absolutely loved it. Not many people talk about the empty nest, but it’s so hard to get through. Thankfully this book is helping me to get my after party started and make it what God wants it to be.
April 3, 2025
This book is like a friend to walk alongside you as you navigate the empty nest. I am a three-year empty nester and am still going through it with my youngest moving out of state. I love the discussion/reflection questions, the scriptures, and the prayers. Mamas - God still has plans for us! Find your joy in this new season with the help of this book!
April 1, 2025
In typical Kate fashion, she takes you on a fun, relatable journey of truth sprinkled with laughter and tears to accompany you on the ride!! You will want to buy a bunch of these books...one for yourself and then gifts for all the other empty nesters (or soon-to-be) in your life!!
April 2, 2025
I loved how this author made me feel that I wasn’t alone on this journey. It was well written with lot’s of advice and inspiration and an easy read for me. Mom is not your only name. I have a new outlook on life. ❤️
April 2, 2025
What a party indeed! Kate shows us how life isn’t empty after all our children leave, but how to enrich your life, get through the sadness and yes, party! If you’re almost to the empty nest stage or going through it, this book is a great resource for you!
April 4, 2025
This is a perfect book for a small group study! I love how every chapter is the same structure. It has a quote from a real mom, discussion questions, Bible verses, and a prayer that has to do with the topic for each chapter.
March 31, 2025
I'm on the cusp of an empty nest -- and it feels a little scary. But The After Party of an Empty Nest reminded me that I'm not alone. No matter how I feel, God will meet me and bring good in the next season.
Battistelli writes short, encouraging chapters with real stories from other moms. Whether you're looking forward to the empty nest, terrified of it, or somewhere in the middle, this book will help you see the gift of this season in your faith, your life, and your family.
Battistelli writes short, encouraging chapters with real stories from other moms. Whether you're looking forward to the empty nest, terrified of it, or somewhere in the middle, this book will help you see the gift of this season in your faith, your life, and your family.
April 3, 2025
This is encouraging book for all moms who have already empty nest or soon will have it. Author shows how to follow God in this new season of life. I got inspired by Kate.
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