Sunrise host Natalie Barr has opened up about her journey of transitioning into life as an empty nester. After nearly two years of adjusting to this new phase, Barr shared her reflections with The Sunday Times, revealing the emotional challenges that come with children leaving home.
Facing the Silence of an Empty Nest
“It had never occurred to me what my life would be like when they walked out,” Barr stated, emphasizing the unexpected silence that fills the home once children leave. As a mother of two, she has engaged in conversations with other parents who have expressed similar feelings of unpreparedness for this significant change. “I’ve talked to quite a few women and some men who sort of stood back and said, ‘Gee, I wasn’t prepared for this,’” she noted.
Despite the initial shock, Barr encourages parents to embrace this transition. She remarked, “You do spend quite a bit of time being immersed in that whole family dynamic where often you wish you’d have more time for yourself, and then all of a sudden you’ve got all this time to yourself. So be careful what you wish for.” Grateful for regular visits from her two sons, including her eldest who lives interstate, Barr acknowledges the importance of cherishing shared memories while also moving forward.
Exploring New Horizons
As she navigates this new chapter, Barr and her husband, Andrew Barr, have turned their focus toward exploring the world. Recently, they managed to squeeze in a two-week trip to Europe, something they had not done in years. “Two weeks away when you haven’t got little kids feels like a lot longer,” she remarked, reflecting on their refreshing getaway. The couple found joy in experiencing new cultures, from relaxing by the pool to wandering through historic cities.
During a winter weekend back in Western Australia, Barr embraced another layer of her family dynamics. As a tourism ambassador for the state, she took the opportunity to promote the region to her East Coast audience while enjoying time with her mother. “That was a really beautiful experience, actually, just spending time together, but also going to places that someone else had given us on an itinerary,” she shared.
Barr remains connected to her roots in WA, regularly visiting her family’s holiday house in Dunsborough, which has been in their family since the 1970s. This connection to her past and present is a vital part of her identity as she continues to adapt to the changes in her life.
With her role as a morning television presenter, Barr finds the unpredictability of live broadcasting exhilarating. “Sometimes we’ll go by the schedule, but we have no idea,” she explained, describing the thrill of engaging with audiences across Australia. The spontaneity of her work keeps her energized, allowing her to embrace both the chaos of live television and the newfound tranquility of her empty nest.
As Barr reflects on her journey and the lessons learned, she encourages other parents to face the challenges of empty nesting with an open heart, reminding them that life continues to evolve.
