Sunrise host Natalie Barr
As parents transition into the empty nest phase, Natalie Barr, the host of the Australian morning show *Sunrise*, offers candid insights drawn from her own experiences. After nearly two years of adjusting to life without children at home, Barr reflected on her journey during an interview with *The Sunday Times*.
“It had never occurred to me what my life would be like when they walked out,” Barr stated, acknowledging the profound silence that comes with an empty home. She has engaged in discussions with other parents who share similar sentiments, revealing a common thread among those unprepared for this significant life 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. It’s not something I thought about the moment they left home,’” she noted.
Embracing Change and New Opportunities
Barr, who has two sons, expressed the challenge of reconciling the desire for personal time with the sudden abundance of it once children leave. “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,” she remarked.
Despite the initial adjustment, Barr emphasized the importance of not dwelling too long on the past. “My life moves on, doesn’t it?” she stated, highlighting her commitment to embracing new experiences. With fewer distractions at home, she and her husband, Andrew Barr, are now focusing on international travel, having recently returned from a two-week trip to Europe.
Reflecting on their getaway, Barr said, “Two weeks away when you haven’t got little kids feels like a lot longer. We had a great trip actually,” adding that it had been years since they enjoyed such a luxurious holiday without their children. The couple successfully balanced relaxation by the pool with explorations of historic cities.
Family Ties and Personal Growth
Barr’s family connections remain strong, with her sons visiting regularly. Her eldest son lives interstate, prompting her to cherish shared memories of their childhood. Acknowledging the complexity of this new phase, Barr has also taken time to reconnect with her own mother, enjoying leisurely outings in Western Australia (WA). As a tourism ambassador for the state, she was enthusiastic about promoting WA to her audience on the East Coast, recounting experiences like long winery lunches along the picturesque coastline of Margaret River.
“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, and quite a few of them even we hadn’t been to,” she said, reflecting on the meaningful moments they shared.
Despite her extensive career and time spent away from WA since her early days as a journalist, Barr remains committed to her family’s holiday house in Dunsborough, which has been in their possession since the 1970s. This connection to her roots serves as a reminder of the importance of family and heritage.
As a well-known personality on morning television, Barr embraces the unpredictability of live broadcasting. She described her favorite part of the day as the moments leading up to the show, where she and co-presenter Matt Shirvington ponder the possibilities of the live segment. “Sometimes we’ll go by the schedule, but we have no idea,” she admitted. “That’s still the thrill of going live across Australia and having no idea what’s going to happen next.”
Barr’s journey into the empty nest phase reflects a broader narrative experienced by many parents. Her willingness to share her thoughts may provide comfort to others navigating similar transitions, reminding them that while change can be challenging, it also opens doors to new opportunities and experiences.
