MBP: What’s one thing about parenting older kids that surprised you compared to the early years?
Kelli: One thing that really surprised me is how much I enjoy our conversations. When they were little, everything felt so hands-on. Now I get to see their personalities, opinions, and humor in a whole new way, and it’s honestly one of my favorite parts of parenting.
MBP: How would you describe your family dynamic now that your kids are more independent?
Kelli: Even though life is busy and everyone’s running in different directions, we’re in a stage of life with a little more breathing room. We still make time together and stay in the loop on what’s going on in each other’s worlds.
Summer is really our family time. My in-laws have a house on Mobile Bay, and you can pretty much count on us being there as soon as school is out. It’s our happy place.
MBP: How have you and your spouse navigated parenting as a team through different stages?
Kelli: We’ve tried to stay on the same page by communicating and adjusting as we go. Unfortunately, parenting does not come with a handbook, so what may have worked when they were little doesn’t necessarily work now.
MBP: What changes have you noticed in your marriage now that the kids are older?
Kelli: We love finding a good Netflix show to binge and enjoying a great meal together—nothing fancy, just time to slow down and hang out. Every fall, we also take a trip with just the two of us. It helps us stay connected in the middle of the chaos of raising teenagers. We know that one day the house will be quiet again, and it’ll be just us, so we’re trying to keep “us” a priority now.
MBP: How are you dealing with the empty nest moments now, and how are you preparing for the real “empty nest” coming up in the next 10 years?
Kelli: It’s definitely a mix of emotions. Watching your kids grow into who they’re meant to be is such a gift—you’re proud, you’re excited, and you can’t wait to see what’s next for them. But at the same time, there’s this little ache knowing how fast it’s all going. I don’t know if you ever feel fully “ready” for the empty nest, but I’m trying to focus on gratitude and be present instead of rushing through a season we won’t get back.
MBP: Do you and your partner divide household and parenting duties differently than you did years ago?
Kelli: Not really. Our roles are fairly established at this point. We’re pretty practical about it—we both do what needs to be done. Some weeks I’m doing more, some weeks he is, and we both jump in where the other needs help. It’s less about keeping score and more about keeping our house (and sanity) running. The kids have also picked up some household duties, which is great!
MBP: How do you stay connected with kids who are more independent (and often very busy)?
Kelli: Family dinner is really important to us, so we try to all sit down together as much as we can. It’s a great time to reconnect and talk about our day. Some nights are crazier than others, but we always try to squeeze in a little time together.
MBP: How do you handle giving them freedom while still setting boundaries?
Kelli: We try to give our kids as much freedom as possible, while still keeping clear boundaries. It’s about finding that balance between allowing them to make their own decisions and giving them guidance to stay on track. We’ve learned to trust them more as they get older, but there are still certain expectations and rules we stick to, like curfews, chores, and open communication. It’s a work in progress, but having those boundaries in place helps them feel supported and gives us peace of mind as they navigate more independence.
MBP: What’s one thing you wish you knew when your kids were little?
Kelli: It might sound cliché, but how fast the time goes really hits home. When you’re in the thick of raising three kids under five, it’s all about surviving each day, and you don’t always get to appreciate the little moments. Now that my kids are older, I make a conscious effort to pause and soak in these times. You really must cherish every moment!
Rapid Fire Questions:
- Peanut Butter: crunchy or smooth? Smooth
- Movies or TV Shows? TV Shows
- Iced Coffee or Hot Coffee? Hot
- Would you rather have Mondays or Fridays off? Friday
- Sandals or Sneakers? Sneakers
Kelli Beckmann and her husband, Paul, just celebrated their 19th wedding anniversary this past November. Together they have three kids — Thomas (17), Grace (14), and James (13). They also have a golden doodle they rescued named Rosie. Paul is a partner at Hand Arendall Harrison Sale Attorneys Office, and she works full-time for Petra RMS, a local insurance agency that focuses on employee benefits.
For fun, Kelli is pretty simple; she enjoys a walk and a great podcast. This is her reset button in the middle of those busy days. Beyond that, her kids are truly her favorite “hobby” right now. Most evenings and weekends, you’ll find her on the sidelines, cheering her kids on in whatever they’re doing.
*** Photo credit: Lilys Rose Photography
