When our familias scatter across cities, states, or even countries, staying connected becomes more than a habit—it’s a lifeline. Kids grow up, move out, and start building their own lives, but that bond with home doesn’t disappear. It just changes shape.
In a special segment presented by Verizon, guest host Carolina Trejos sat down with wellness advocate Felicia Burkley, founder of Spirit Fruit Root, to explore that shift through a revealing game of “Truth or Myth” about parents, kids, and the ways we stay close.
One statistic says a lot about how strong that bond still is: 74% of young adults ages 19 to 29 call their moms at least once a week. For Felicia, that number rings true. Young adults may not need the same daily guidance they needed as kids, pero that connection with family, home, and their roots still matters.
How Bonds Evolve After Kids Leave
As kids grow, their needs evolve, and so do their relationships with their parents. A phone call may replace the daily check-in at the kitchen table. A video call may become the new way to feel close from miles away. A quick “llegaste bien?” text can say what every parent is really thinking: I love you, I’m checking on you, and I’m still here.
And it’s not just the kids. For parents, especially moms, staying connected is an essential way to stay in the loop on their kids’ adventures, no matter where life takes them.
“The fact that we mothers carry our children in our bodies really points to why it’s such a big deal when our kids are no longer at home,” Felicia shares, reflecting on the deep physical and emotional bond between mothers and their children.
That bond doesn’t end when kids leave the nest. It just finds new ways to show up. Whether it’s video calls to see abuela’s smile from thousands of miles away, rapid-fire messages with siblings, or a funny selfie sent just because, modern tech has transformed how families stay present for one another.
For Latino families, this dynamic is especially familiar. Many of us have relatives spread across the Americas and the diaspora—from México City to Los Angeles, from Bogotá to Miami. Staying connected isn’t just about keeping in touch; it’s about preserving culture, language, and shared memories. As Bad Bunny’s $100 million empire shows, even global superstars find ways to stay rooted in their Puerto Rican heritage while building something new.
But as parents adjust to a quieter house and a new family rhythm, the journey isn’t only about staying connected to their kids. It’s also about reconnecting with themselves.
“Women being able to tap into what makes them themselves is going to allow that transition to feel more natural,” Felicia shares.
So parents, ya saben. As you start this new chapter, remember to reconnect with what brings you joy, whether it’s trying yoga poses, pursuing new hobbies, or sending funny selfies to your loved ones. Life is too short to wait, and staying connected can help make every new chapter feel a little closer to home. And Verizon does just that, helping you stay close with a free phone on the best network for your family.* Y con eso puedes acompañar a tus hijos en este nuevo capítulo y así mantenerse conectados.
For more on how families are navigating these transitions, check out our coverage of Panini’s World Cup 2026 sticker swap in Los Angeles and Antonela Roccuzzo’s journey as a Rosario entrepreneur.
*Up to $1,099.99 purchase w/ new smartphone line on Unlimited Ultimate, Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Welcome plan req’d. Less up to $1,100 promo credit applied over 36 mos.; add’l terms apply. See www.verizon.com for details. RootMetrics®: Best Overall Mobile Network Performance based on RootMetrics® U.S. RootScore® Report: 2H 2025. Not an endorsement. All rights reserved.
