When children move out for college, careers, or their first apartments, home can suddenly feel quieter. This “empty nest” stage is often filled with both pride and a deep longing for the everyday moments that once filled the house.
To better understand this transition, Aura partnered with Talker Research to survey 1,000 parents of adult children (ages 18–28) who’ve recently left home. The results highlight just how much parents miss those small, ordinary connections—and why photos are such a powerful way to bridge the distance. With Aura, everyday snapshots become a constantly updating gallery that can help make loved ones feel close, no matter how many miles apart.
The Distance Between Parents and Kids
On average, kids move nearly 400 miles away once the leave home
Parents often expect more in-person time than they actually get: 30% expected weekly visits, but only 18% of those say they actually happen
Some empty nesters go as long as seven to eight months without seeing their child
What Parents Miss Most When Kids Move Out
The transition isn't just about fewer texts or visits. Parents shared that the top three things they miss most are:
Seeing their kids every day – 58%
Hugs and physical affection – 46%
Having meals together – 39%
Communication in the Empty Nest
Even with so many ways to stay in touch, parents are often the ones putting in the effort to keep connections strong.
69% say they are usually the ones to reach out first
More than half (55%) hope for a daily text, but fewer than 1 in 5 even expect a phone call
In reality, just 19% hear from their child multiple times a day, and only about 1 in 6 parents get even one message a day
Texting is by far the most common way families stay connected (67%), while video calls (30%) and social media DMs (15%) are far less frequent
What are families actually sharing? Most often: selfies and funny pictures (47%), internet memes (45%), and snapshots of pets or family members (36%).
Everyday Photos Matter
Despite the miles apart, small moments matter:
85% of parents say that receiving photos of meals, pets, or dorm rooms makes them feel more emotionally connected to their child.
Only 19% hear from their kids multiple times a day, underscoring how cherished these small check-ins can be.
This is where Aura frames truly shine – transforming small updates into a lasting presence in the home. A photo that might disappear in a text thread instead becomes part of a living collection on an Aura frame, growing and evolving over time.
Moms and Dads Experience it Differently
The survey revealed some interesting differences in how moms and dads navigate the empty nest:
35% of moms said they wish their child could live with them forever, compared to 20% of dads
Moms are twice as likely as dads to hear from kids multiple times a day (22% vs. 10%)
Moms are also more likely to receive daily photo updates (20% vs. 14% of dads)
Dads report longer gaps between in-person visits – eight months on average, compared to seven months for moms.
How Parents Fill the Quiet
Many empty nesters adopt new hobbies and outlets to adjust:
26% turn to exercise or fitness
25% take on DIY or home projects
17% use the opportunity to travel
9% dedicate more time to volunteering
What This Means for Families
When a child moves out, what parents really miss aren't just big milestones, it's the everyday moments like quick hugs, family meals, or casual conversations. This research shows that small gestures, like a photo of dinner, a pet, or a weekend project, can keep parents feeling close, even from hundreds of miles away.
And it's not just for parents. Kids, too, can take comfort knowing that the moments they share will live on as part of their family's story, not just as fleeting messages.
Aura Frames Help Keep the Nest Full
Aura was created to make those everyday moments visible again. By allowing families to effortlessly share photos in a frame in real time, Aura turns casual updates into a tangible, living album.
For empty nesters, that means waking up to a fresh photo from campus, a new apartment, or even a pet at play. With Aura, quiet homes are transformed back into places filled with connection and joy.
Survey Methodology
Talker Research surveyed 1,000 parents of young adults (ages 18-28) who have left home. The survey was commissioned by Aura and conducted online between August 13-20, 2025. Respondents were recruited from online access panels and programmatic sampling, with data analyzed at the 95% confidence level.