Bob Odenkirk Expresses His Sentiments About Feeling Envious Towards Parents With Young Children During Lockdown
In a special and insightful interview on "Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out," Bob Odenkirk opened up about the challenges and benefits of the empty nest experience.
Odenkirk, a father of two, admitted that he never had to question his role in life, as his true purpose was being a parent. However, he expressed jealousy towards parents with little kids at home, missing the purpose that being a parent gave him. He also shared the bittersweet nature of watching children grow up and gain independence, while feeling sad about an empty nest.
According to a report from the Census Bureau, more than half of young adults ages 18 to 24 live with their parents. This trend is also reflected in a 2023 paper, which found that nearly half of adults ages 18 to 29 live with their parents, up from about 25% in 1960. The rising inflation, student loan debt, and soaring housing and rent costs contribute to this trend.
Despite many young adults still living at home with their parents, it's not the same as when they were little. As Odenkirk reminisced about understanding his purpose through taking care of his children, such as getting them up in the morning and through the door for school, he acknowledged that this chapter of parenting is different.
The empty nest experience can be difficult for parents, but they should remember the upsides of their children's independence. According to Dr. Rachel Glik, a therapist, it's normal to experience sadness, regret, and a lack of purpose when a child leaves the nest, but these emotions blend with positive changes as well.
Dr. Glik notes that most parents find a blend of upsides and downsides while adjusting to an empty nest. One major benefit is the opportunity for significant personal and spiritual growth, as parents rediscover themselves without the constant label of "parent." The relationship with adult children also evolves from a hierarchical power dynamic to one based on support, fun, and friendship, enhancing family bonds in a new way.
In summary, Dr. Glik acknowledges normal feelings of loss but highlights that empty nesting also opens up meaningful personal development and improved adult relationships with children. Parents should remember to cherish the independence of their children while navigating the emotional complexities of the empty nest transition.
Nia Tipton, a staff writer focusing on psychology, relationships, and the human experience, contributed to this article. The interview did not discuss any specific details about Odenkirk's current projects or career. The percentage of young adults living at home also varies by region, with young adults in the Midwest least likely to live at home, according to a Pew Research Center analysis.
[1] Tipton, N. (2023). The Empty Nest Experience: Challenges and Opportunities for Growth. Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-human-experience/202303/the-empty-nest-experience-challenges-and-opportunities-growth
- Nia Tipton's article on Psychology Today, titled "The Empty Nest Experience: Challenges and Opportunities for Growth," delves into the psychological aspects of the empty nest experience.
- In her article, Tipton highlights the bittersweet feelings that parents may experience when their children leave home, encompassing emotions like sadness, regret, and a sense of loss.
- However, Tipton also emphasizes that the empty nest experience can foster significant personal and spiritual growth, as parents rediscover themselves and forge new, supportive relationships with their adult children.
- Furthermore, Tipton's article discussed the evolving relationship dynamics between parents and adult children, shifting from a hierarchy to a bond based on mutual support, fun, and friendship.
- The empty nest experience, as studied by Tipton, also intersects with pop-culture narratives, as celebrities like Bob Odenkirk openly discuss the challenges and benefits of this life phase in interviews, such as "Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out."
