A law unto herself LUCY'S A REBEL WITH A CAUSE

The Kiwi star is using her new-found me-time to change the world

- Nicky Pellegrino

It would be understandable if Lucy Lawless was suffering from a dose of empty nest syndrome right now. Motherhood has been central to her life since she was just 20 years old and gave birth to her daughter Daisy. But now Daisy and her two younger brothers Julius and Judah have left home to forge their own lives.

“My kids don’t need me anymore,” says Lucy, 53.

While this has been an adjustment, it is one she was ready for and she urges other women to prepare for it too.

“Before your kids get out of high school, you’ve got to be starting on your next life, otherwise you’ll be left bereft,” she says. “Kids are supposed to grow up and go, so you need to have something else going on and start investing in me-time.

“My mother told me that when I was 13. She said you’re supposed to get your life going so you’re not left feeling resentful and empty when your kids leave.

“I used to poo-poo empty nest syndrome, but it’s a real thing and you’ve got to get your second wind going.”