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Brooke Shields has opened up about what happened after dropping her youngest son off at college.
On Monday, August 26, Shields posted a video on Instagram of herself shortly after dropping off her 18-year-old daughter Grier at Wake Forest University for her freshman year. “My two little birds have left the nest,” she wrote in the caption.
“I sat here a year ago and watched my big girl walk away and I’m back on this porch and I’m now officially an empty nester,” the video begins.
Although the actress expressed gratitude that Grier is in school alongside her sister Rowan, 21, who is also a student at Wake Forest. “At least they're together,” Shields said as she began to wipe tears from her eyes and take off her sunglasses. “It's not easy. It's not easy for moms. I mean, it's so weird. It's so weird that [Grier’s] Not here.”
She explained how difficult it was to say goodbye to her youngest daughter after moving her into her bedroom when Grier began to cry, leading to her crying. “And then I cried for a good portion of the ride home,” Shields said. “I’m an empty-nest mom anyway. Wow.”
After posting, many people took to the comments section to assure Shields that feeling sad is normal for parents, but it's just the beginning of a different side of parenting.
“Oh Brooke, it’s so so hard. It’s the end of an era and now you get to start a new chapter. But first you have to grieve. A lot,” one comment read. “I was laying on my couch for three weeks and couldn’t talk to anyone. Be gentle with yourself. It’s hard because it’s hard. All of us childless people are sending you love.”
Another commenter agreed, writing: “Sharing your genuine feelings with everyone is the bravest thing you can do. You are an amazing mom, be patient sweetie. Sending you all the love and positive energy.”
One fellow empty nester admitted she understood exactly how Shields felt. “I too have just become an empty nester. It's way harder than I imagined it would be,” she wrote.
“The best thing we can do is continue to support them and stay in touch with our beloved daughters. I am thinking of starting another hobby that takes time and keeps my mind occupied. I wish all those who no longer have children the best!”
On the eve of Grier leaving for school, Shields revealed in a 2023 interview on The Kelly Clarkson Show She was nervous about her last child leaving home. “I’m getting nervous,” she said at the time.
“It’s funny, I told my daughter, ‘I’ve basically spent 18 years telling you what to do, telling you how to be… so now I have to let you trust yourself. ’”
Despite her tearful farewell to Grier, the actress had a similar reaction when her eldest daughter moved into her bedroom, as Shields shared a post on Instagram that also showed her crying.
“My unique and extraordinary baby girl spreading her wings,” the caption on the post read. “I love you so much. We are so proud of you. This was the saddest journey I’ve ever had to make from anywhere. But my baby is STARTING one of the most important adventures of her life to date… NOW!”
