View Top 200 Chart

Back to Rankings Page

Kids & Family

The Almost Empty Nest—Letting Go, Redefined: Parenting Teens and Finding Yourself Again—with Small Jar Coach

Are you stuck between wanting to guide your teen or college kid and knowing it’s time to start letting go?

Welcome to The Almost Empty Nest Podcast, where moms of teens and college kids reframe what ‘letting go’ really means and stop second-guessing themselves to feel more connected, confident, and at peace in this chapter of motherhood.

Each week, you’ll learn how to:
• Break free from mindset traps like catastrophizing, mom guilt, and the illusion of control
• Build a stronger relationship with your teen—even when they pull away or test boundaries
• Strengthen your self-trust as you set boundaries, let go of anxiety, and explore your own purpose beyond parenting

Hosted by master life coach—and mom of two college kids—Jennifer Collins, this show offers grounded, relatable support and mindset shifts to help you stop overthinking and start showing up as the mom and woman you truly want to be.

🎧 Start with listener favorite Episode 85: The Empty Nest Straddle — The Emotional Tug of Parenting Teens and Facing the Empty Nest.

Latest Episodes:

What You Really Want — Letting Go of Control, Guilt, and Fear in Parenting Teens | Ep. 56 Jul 01, 2023

Show notes

What do I really want as a mom? That question sounds simple, but it goes deep. I used to think that if I worked hard enough, tried my best, and followed the rules, I'd raise happy, successful kids and feel fulfilled in motherhood. But the truth is—when my teens struggled, so did I. Their happiness felt like the only measure of my success, and when they were angry, distant, or anxious, I felt powerless and guilty.

In this episode, I share how I had to shift my mindset, let go of the illusion of control, and learn how to support my teens from a place of love and calm—not fear and frustration. Whether your child is pulling away, acting out, or dealing with mental health challenges, you're not alone. We’ll talk about how to release the emotional tug-of-war and create boundaries from confidence instead of anxiety.

This conversation is for every mom who’s tired of overthinking, carrying the emotional weight of her teen’s choices, and wondering if she’s doing it all wrong. Together, we’ll unpack what we really want—not just for our kids, but for ourselves—and how to move forward with clarity, compassion, and purpose in this messy, beautiful season of motherhood.

Curious about coaching with Small Jar? Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0

This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers raising teens as they approach the empty nest, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.

Redefining Your Purpose in the Empty Nest — A Mindset Shift for Moms Letting Go | Ep. 55 Jun 24, 2023

Show notes

As my boys became more independent—first with driver’s licenses, then with dorm move-ins—I began to feel it: the empty spaces in our routine, in the house, and in myself. It wasn’t just the empty nest I was bracing for; it was the quiet erosion of the identity I’d built over years of motherhood.

In this episode, I talk about what it really means to redefine your purpose as a mom of teens and young adults. We explore the deep mindset work of letting go—not just of your kids' physical presence, but of the role you’ve held for so long. I unpack why so many of us feel guilt, anxiety, and confusion in this stage, and why we often struggle to figure out what comes next.

Together, we’ll explore:

Why your role is changing—but your value is not
How to untangle your sense of purpose from your kids’ proximity or dependence
What emotional tools you need to feel confident, calm, and fulfilled
How to reconnect with the version of you that’s ready for something more

If you're navigating this season of transition and wondering who you are beyond “mom,” this episode will help you answer that question—not by finding something new to do, but by reconnecting with the powerful truth of who you already are.

Curious about coaching with Small Jar? Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0

This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers raising teens as they approach the empty nest, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.

The Hidden Weight of Motherhood — How Resentment and Guilt Keep Moms Stuck | Ep. 54 Jun 17, 2023

Show notes

Resentment is one of those emotions we don’t talk about—but most of us moms are carrying it. In this episode, I share how my own emotional habits—like reaching for wine or snacks to take the edge off—have been tied to deeper, uncomfortable feelings I’ve been avoiding. Especially resentment.

I open up about what it feels like to do everything for everyone, often without acknowledgment, and the shame that can come from even admitting we feel this way. Whether it's frustration over daily parenting struggles, lack of help at home, or guilt around needing space, this episode is about breaking that silence and letting go of the emotional weight we carry.

We’ll explore:

How mindset traps keep us stuck in resentment and emotional buffering
The connection between anxiety, guilt, and emotional habits
How to notice and release the need for control
Why self-awareness and emotional regulation are the keys to peace in motherhood

If you’ve ever felt dismissed, overburdened, or ashamed for wanting more—even just a break—this conversation will help you feel seen and give you practical steps to move forward with compassion and clarity.

Curious about coaching with Small Jar? Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0

This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers raising teens as they approach the empty nest, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.

When Kids Return to the Nest — Letting Go, Setting Boundaries, and Parenting Adult Children Under One Roof | Ep. 53 Jun 11, 2023

Show notes

When your teen or young adult returns home—whether for the summer, after graduation, or because life didn’t go as planned—it’s a mix of joy, tension, and everything in between. I created this episode for the moms who are navigating this tricky transition, where parenting shifts from daily control to emotional guidance, and boundaries feel harder than ever to define.

You might be thrilled to have your child back, and also completely overwhelmed by the chaos, anxiety, and the return of old conflicts. I talk about the mindset shifts that help moms balance letting go, while still holding boundaries. I also explore how guilt, fear, and overthinking sneak in when your “almost adult” is living under your roof—but acting like the rules don’t apply.

Inside, we’ll unpack:

What independence really means—for you and for them
How to stop the cycle of nagging, resentment, and anxiety
Why setting boundaries isn’t about control—it’s about clarity
How to emotionally detach without disconnecting

This episode is for the mom who wants to create a peaceful home, hold onto her own identity, and let her teen or young adult grow—without losing herself in the process.

Curious about coaching with Small Jar? Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0

This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers raising teens as they approach the empty nest, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.

Getting Your Teen to Listen — Letting Go of Control and Rebuilding Connection | Ep. 52 Jun 03, 2023

Show notes

You’re not alone if it feels like your teen won’t listen to anything you say. I’ve been there—and so have most of the moms I coach. In this episode, I unpack why our usual parenting strategies often fail, even when we have the best intentions. It's not just about finding the right words; it's about the mindset we bring to these tough conversations.

We talk about:

Why communication breakdowns with teens are so common
How emotional triggers like guilt, anxiety, and mom anger get in the way
The surprising truth about respect—and what your teen might really be feeling
Why letting go of needing to be “right” is key to rebuilding connection
And how to regulate your emotions first, so your teen is more likely to follow

If you're tired of yelling, nagging, or walking on eggshells, this episode will give you a new perspective. We’ll explore how to parent with calm confidence, even when your teen is pushing you away—and how to reclaim the connection and peace you’re craving in this season of motherhood.

Curious about coaching with Small Jar? Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0

This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers raising teens as they approach the empty nest, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.

Graduation Day — Letting Go, Facing the Empty Nest, and Redefining Your Role as a Mom | Ep. 51 May 28, 2023

Show notes

Graduation isn’t just a milestone for our kids—it’s a turning point for us as moms. In this deeply personal episode, I share what it feels like to stand on the brink of my son’s high school graduation and all the emotions that come with it—nostalgia, fear, regret, and love.

Letting go of our teens as they step into adulthood is filled with uncertainty. We question if we did enough, if they’re ready, if we’re ready. The routines we've known are ending, and the future feels both wide open and deeply unsettling. This episode is my raw and honest reflection on what this moment means—both for my son and for me—as we both take the next big step.

I talk about:

The emotional complexity of parenting through big transitions
Why the idea of an empty nest feels more pervasive than we expect
The pressure to have “done it right” as a mom—and why that mindset isn’t helpful
How I’m learning to let go of guilt, release control, and still stay deeply connected
What boundaries and self-trust look like when our kids come and go

If you’re on the edge of a big change—whether your teen is graduating, leaving home, or simply growing up faster than you’d like—this episode is for you. Let’s walk through this together, with compassion, clarity, and a mindset that honors both them and you.

Curious about coaching with Small Jar? Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0

This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers raising teens as they approach the empty nest, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.

You Can't Afford NOT to Invest in Yourself | Ep. 50 May 21, 2023

Show notes

Everyone is WORTHY. Period. Everyone is valuable. Period. And everyone deserves to have support when they need it. The people we love mean well, but they have their own opinions about what we should do. Sometimes what we need is an unbiased, listening ear, who can help us see the truth inside ourselves that we can't see. In this episode, I explore the ways life coaching and therapy can help us find peace and our own truth. Your well-being is priceless. And your life is waiting for you to live it. You can't afford to miss it.

🎯 Want to take this work deeper? Save your seat for the next free masterclass—click here to sign up: https://www.thesmalljar.com/class.

💪 Curious about coaching with Small Jar? Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0.

❓ Have questions or want to share your feedback? I'd love to hear from you! You can email me at jennifer@thesmalljar.com.

This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers raising teens as they approach the empty nest, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.

Love Letters to Moms | Ep 49 May 13, 2023

Show notes

Mother's Day is fraught with the potential for disappointed expectations. So in this episode I explore how we can guarantee all of our dreams come true...that we feel love, appreciation, and respect. To do this, I write a letter to my 25-year-old self, and learn that many of the things I would tell her, I needed to hear myself. There are a few other letters I'd love to send and receive, so I've shared them with you here. My love letter to all of you moms. Happy Mother's Day.

🎯 Want to take this work deeper? Save your seat for the next free masterclass—click here to sign up: https://www.thesmalljar.com/class.

💪 Curious about coaching with Small Jar? Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0.

❓ Have questions or want to share your feedback? I'd love to hear from you! You can email me at jennifer@thesmalljar.com.

This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers raising teens as they approach the empty nest, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.

Setting Boundaries | Ep. 48 May 07, 2023

Show notes

We often think we have a hard time setting boundaries because other people don't follow them. But boundaries are not rules. In fact, boundaries have much more to do with us than with anyone else. In this episode we explore how to set boundaries with our teens, others in our lives, and even more powerfully, with and for ourselves.

🎯 Want to take this work deeper? Save your seat for the next free masterclass—click here to sign up: https://www.thesmalljar.com/class.

💪 Curious about coaching with Small Jar? Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0.

❓ Have questions or want to share your feedback? I'd love to hear from you! You can email me at jennifer@thesmalljar.com.

This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers raising teens as they approach the empty nest, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.

For Better or for Worse | Ep. 47 Apr 30, 2023

Show notes

Any long-term partnership, particularly ones that involves co-parenting children, experiences better and worse, probably richer and poorer, and most definitely sickness and health. We've been through a lot in the past 20+ years with our partners, but statistically that doesn't mean we're safe from divorce. So in this episode, I explore the root cause of why we can find we're drifting apart, and how to access those feelings of love and appreciation we are all looking for in our relationships.

🎯 Want to take this work deeper? Save your seat for the next free masterclass—click here to sign up: https://www.thesmalljar.com/class.

💪 Curious about coaching with Small Jar? Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0.

❓ Have questions or want to share your feedback? I'd love to hear from you! You can email me at jennifer@thesmalljar.com.

This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers raising teens as they approach the empty nest, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.

Related Podcasts