Kelly Ripa, Mark Consuelos Discuss Empty Nest Transition, Household Changes

Kelly Ripa and her husband Mark Consuelos have embraced their new phase of life as empty nesters following the graduation of their youngest child, Joaquin, from the University of Michigan. On their May 26 talk show, "Live with Kelly and Mark," they shared candid advice with guest Amanda Peet, who is anxious about her eldest daughter moving across the country for college. Ripa humorously described the adjustment period, noting that while the departure of the first child is a shock, by the third child, parents experience a sense of freedom, joking that their home becomes a place of "nudity wherever you want" and a "total freak show." Consuelos and Ripa also connected with other parents during the graduation festivities, realizing many face similar challenges and uncertainties. Their discussion reflects a lighthearted yet heartfelt acceptance of the changes that come with children leaving home, highlighting both the emotional and liberating aspects of the empty nest stage. Both couples share experiences of parenting grown children and navigating the evolving family dynamics with humor and openness.