Embracing the Empty Nest: Parenting, Reinvention, and the Journey Ahead with Dr. Meena Signh
As a parent, one of the hardest things you’ll ever experience is watching your child leave the nest. It’s an emotional rollercoaster—joy mixed with a touch of sadness, pride with a side of fear, and the overwhelming realization that life is about to change in a big way. And while the empty nest can seem daunting, I’ve discovered something profound: parenting never truly stops.
In this week’s episode of Carrie On!, I sat down with the inspiring Dr. Meena Singh, a board-certified dermatologist, surgeon, and powerhouse entrepreneur who’s built a thriving med spa and surgery practice while raising three incredible daughters. We discuss the challenges of balancing motherhood with building a business, the impact of generational strength, and how to embrace life’s transitions with grace.
As Dr. Singh’s story unfolded, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own experience. My daughter is about to leave for college, and just like Dr. Singh, I find myself in a similar emotional space. But as we both discovered, this moment isn’t the end of our parenting journey—it’s the start of a new chapter
A Shift in Parenting: Letting Go but Holding On
In the days leading up to her daughter’s departure, there were moments of reflection. “How am I going to adjust?” she wondered. From school drop-offs and pickups to dance recitals and track meets, she had been the constant. But with her daughter leaving for college, she found herself in a new space—one that felt both freeing and uncertain.
Dr. Singh quickly realized that even though her child was leaving, her love, support, and guidance as a mother were not. Instead, they were transforming into something more long-distance but no less important.
Dr. Singh reflected on how her firstborn was getting ready to pursue her dreams, and how it was bittersweet, even though it was something she’d worked toward. “It’s hard, it’s really, really hard,” she shared, but her story showed me that while things change, the essence of being a parent never does.
What Dr. Signh didn’t expect was that this transition would bring new joy. Yes, there was a lot of emotion, but there was also a sense of pride in seeing her child spread her wings, knowing she had done her job as a parent to prepare her for this moment. It’s not about letting go entirely but about allowing them the freedom to thrive. And in return, they give you space to grow as well.
Balancing Career and Motherhood: A Story of Resilience
While Dr. Sighn’s daughter was preparing to leave the nest, her own journey was far from slowing down. She had built a successful med spa and surgery practice while raising three amazing daughters, and it was no easy feat. As much as she wanted to embrace the new chapter of an “empty” house, she couldn’t ignore the fact that things were about to get even busier. She had a practice to run, new clients to serve, and a new vision to follow.
Skin and Hair Center in Overland Park, KS founded by Dr. Meena Signh.
It’s impressive that Dr. Singh opened a new practice while simultaneously managing the emotions of her daughter leaving for college. “It was a big risk, especially this far into my career,” she said, but as a mother and entrepreneur, she made it work. “Entrepreneurship has given me the flexibility to be there for my family, especially during this transition. Owning my own clinic meant that I could pivot when life called me to be a mom and still achieve the professional success I’ve worked so hard for.” she said.
Dr. Meena Signh performing a hair transplant in her medical practice
But it wasn’t always easy. There were long hours, reschedules, and days where she felt stretched thin, but the freedom to be with her family while doing what she loves made it all worth it.
Dr. Singh with her family
Empowering the Next Generation: A Legacy of Strength
Dr. Singh shared how her mother, a trailblazer as the first Black woman to graduate from her medical school class, had instilled in her the belief that there were no excuses when it came to following your dreams, no matter the obstacles life throws your way. She proudly passed that legacy down to her daughters, encouraging them to pursue their passions with the same dedication.
I raised this child. I’m a single mom. She’s alive, she made it. That’s legacy.” - Dr. Meena Singh
As Dr. Singh navigates the balance between her successful career and being a mother, she also encourages her daughters to step into their own power. She mentioned how seeing her oldest daughter chase her dreams has inspired Dr. Singh to keep pushing forward, even during moments of doubt.
“I want to show them that you can do it all. You can be a businesswoman, a physician, and still be there for your kids,” she said.
As I look at my own children, I see the same strength and determination. I want them to take the opportunities I didn’t have, and make their own path in the world, just as Dr. Singh’s daughters are doing. I’m so proud of my daughter for pursuing her dream of musical theater in New York City this Fall, and I’m taking Dr. Singh’s advice to heart and savoring these last days together.
Carrie Murray with her daughter, Cay, at high school graduation
The Empty Nest Isn’t the End of Parenting
For those of you with children preparing to leave for college, Dr. Signh’s advice is simple: recognize that your role as a parent is always evolving. And while her daughter has left for college, she continues to support her, traveling for track meets and staying connected.
Dr. Singh also emphasized the importance of cherishing every moment with your children, no matter how old they get. She said, “Cherish every second. Really take it in because it’s a huge change in lifestyle.”
“You have 18 years where your household is a certain way—then it changes forever.” – Dr. Meena Singh
As our children grow and step into their futures, we too can find new purpose and passion. It’s not about ending one chapter, but about beginning another. And even though my house will feel quieter without the hustle of my kids, I’m embracing this next phase with open arms.
In the end, the empty nest doesn’t mean the end of parenting. It means a new kind of relationship—one where you support them from afar, encourage them to chase their dreams, and give them the space to soar. And just like that, our job as parents continues in ways we never imagined, empowering both ourselves and our children to create legacies of our own.
So, here’s to embracing the empty nest and taking on this next chapter with strength, joy, and the understanding that our love and guidance will always remain. This is just the beginning.
She Raised 3 Daughters Solo—Then Built a Dermatology Empire
Watch the episode: Tune in on YouTube!
Prefer to listen? It’s also streaming on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Also in this episode:
The surprising truth about women’s hair loss after 40
Why good skin isn’t about perfection—but prevention
Skincare must-haves: exfoliants, retinoids & SPF
Follow Dr. Meena Singh, Board-Certified Dermatologist & Hair Transplant Surgeon, on Instagram. Follow her medical practice, Skin and Hair Center, on Facebook and Instagram and learn more at her website: skinandhaircenter.com
