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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:

Redefining Self-Awareness: What Every Mom Raising Teens Needs to Know About Letting Go Without Losing Herself | Ep. 142 Feb 15, 2025

Show notes

I used to think self-awareness meant being brutally honest about all the ways I was falling short—until I realized that what I thought was awareness was actually just self-judgment. In this episode, I’m redefining what true self-awareness really looks like and how shifting your perspective can change everything. You’ll learn why self-judgment keeps you stuck, how to recognize sneaky mindset traps disguised as "truth," and the simple but powerful shift that will help you trust yourself and move forward with confidence. If you’ve ever felt like you’re your own worst critic, this episode is for you. Listen now and start seeing yourself in a whole new way!

🎯 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.

All or Nothing? Why That Mindset Is Exhausting Moms of Teens | Mindset Trap #2 | Ep. 141 Feb 08, 2025

Show notes

MINDSET TRAPS OF THE EMPTY NEST - Trap #2 - All-or-Nothing Thinking

In this episode of The Almost Empty Nest Podcast, I’m diving into the second mindset trap on the road to the empty nest—all-or-nothing thinking. You know the feeling: if your teen misses a curfew, your brain leaps to worst-case scenarios, or if you’re not the 'perfect mom,' you fear you’re failing altogether. But here’s what you might not believe—you’re not falling into this trap because you’re anxious or overreacting. In fact, your brain thinks it’s protecting you. I’ll show you why this instinct to think in extremes is actually a survival mechanism, how it sneaks into your parenting without you noticing, and—most surprisingly—how letting go of this mindset can make you feel more in control, not less. If you’ve ever felt trapped in black-and-white thinking, this episode will open your eyes to the freedom waiting in the gray.

🎯 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.

When Letting Go Hurts: A Mom’s Honest Look at the Hard Parts of Motherhood | Ep. 140 Feb 01, 2025

Show notes

As moms, we're always trying our best. You pour your heart into your kids. But as they pull away, or as you approach the empty nest, it can feel really hard. In fact, during this transitional time of life, there are many things that can feel really hard. Just looking on the bright side isn't an option. In this episode, I’m sharing a deeply personal story about one of the hardest moments I’ve faced as a mom—and what it taught me about love, letting go, and trusting myself. If you’re struggling with the emotional rollercoaster of raising and launching your kids, feeling overwhelmed, or just wishing this stage didn’t feel so hard, this episode is for you. You are not alone, my friend. And you don’t have to figure this out by yourself.

🎯 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.

I Feel Anxious as I Raise My Teen, So Something Must Be Wrong… Right? | Mindset Trap #1 | Ep. 139 Jan 25, 2025

Show notes

MINDSET TRAPS OF THE EMPTY NEST - Trap #1 - Emotional Reasoning

Are you ready to take a closer look at the mindset traps that keep us stuck as moms approaching the empty nest? In this episode of my new series on the mindset traps of the empty nest, I'm tackling Mindset Trap #1, and that is the emotional rollercoaster that so many of us moms find ourselves riding. I’ll share why we often feel like our emotions are completely out of our control and how this mindset can hold us back from peace and clarity. You’ll walk away with practical insights on how to step off the emotional rollercoaster and take control of your experience as you navigate this transition. If you’ve ever felt at the mercy of your emotions, this episode will open your eyes to a whole new perspective!

🎯 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.

What Is a Mindset Trap? How Moms Raising Teens Can Stop Overthinking and Let Go | Ep. 138 Jan 18, 2025

Show notes

Join me for a Mindset Trap 101. In this episode, I continue The Almost Empty Nest Podcast's new series on Midlife Mindset Traps by exploring what they are, how they form, and how they intertwine with our instincts as humans. Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode... First, you'll learn how mindset traps are fueled by subconscious biological responses that are completely normal and natural. Second, you'll discover how our thoughts and beliefs about ourselves shape the stories we tell about who we are. And finally, I'll share how understanding this interplay between instincts and mindset offers a path to freedom. You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of why you react the way you do and how to begin reclaiming control over your thoughts and emotional responses. Stay tuned as we set the stage to dive into 12 specific mindset traps in the episodes ahead!

🎯 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.

Mindset Traps of the Empty Nest - Intro Part III - Conserving Energy While Raising Teens | Ep. 137 Jan 11, 2025

Show notes

Join me as I wrap up the three-part introduction to The Almost Empty Nest Podcast's new series on Midlife Mindset Taps with a deep dive into the instinct to conserve energy—what I call "keeping it simple." I explore how this instinct has evolutionary roots and helps us create habits, routines, and efficiencies in our lives. But I also explore how this instinct can hold us back when life calls for change, like letting go of our teens or navigating the transition to an empty nest. You'll learn how your mindset drives both productive and unproductive habits, how to identify patterns that keep you stuck, and how to intentionally shift your perspective to create ease and confidence in this next chapter. Join me to explore how to harness your brain's natural instincts to build the life you want, starting now!

🎯 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.

Mindset Traps of the Empty Nest - Intro Part II - Avoiding Pain While Raising Teens | Ep. 136 Jan 04, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back to Part II of the introduction to this new series on The Almost Empty Nest Podcastwhere I dive into the mindset traps that can hold us back as moms of teens and almost empty nesters. This week focus on our instinct to avoid pain and how this shapes the lens through which we view our role as parents and our kids' moods, behavior and outcomes. This basic instinct is a really good thing in many ways, but it can also hold us back and cause us to show up in ways that we don't really want. But here’s the game-changer: by understanding this instinct and learning to supervise our thoughts, you can free yourself from unnecessary stress and foster a deeper connection with your teen. Join me in this series to learn how to trust yourself to navigate this pivotal stage of motherhood.

🎯 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.

Who Will You Be in 2025? A Mom’s Guide to Letting Go and Loving Forward | Ep 135 Jan 01, 2025

Show notes

As we stand on the threshold of 2025, I invite you to join me for a journey through the lessons, growth, and pivotal moments that have defined my past five years. In this episode of The Almost Empty Nest Podcast, I reflect on the evolution of motherhood, the transition into an empty nest, and the profound realization that loving unconditionally and leading with intention is the key to thriving in every role we play. Together, we’ll explore how celebrating small wins, embracing self-compassion, and letting go of fear can transform our lives in ways we never imagined. Let’s step into 2025 with clarity, purpose, and the courage to be the woman we’ve always wanted to be. Tune in—this episode might just be the inspiration you need to make this year your best yet.

🎯 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.

Mindset Traps of the Empty Nest - Intro Part I - Seeking Comfort While Raising Teens | Ep. 134 Dec 28, 2024

Show notes

This week on The Almost Empty Nest Podcast, I'm kicking off a transformative new series on Midlife Mindset Traps that keep us stuck in frustration and anxiety. If you find yourself struggling as a mom to find peace, connection, and purpose, this episode is for you. In this first episode, I dive into how our instinct to seek comfort can sometimes lead us astray, leaving us feeling dependent on external validation or stuck in unproductive habits. You’ll learn three powerful insights: the role your mindset plays in your emotional experiences, how to spot and step out of mindset traps, and most importantly, why there’s absolutely nothing “wrong” with you for feeling the way you do. Join me as I show you how to take charge of your thoughts and unlock more joy, peace, and freedom in this next chapter of life.

🎯 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.

Letting Go of Holiday Pressure: How Moms of Teen Can Redefine Joy This Season | Ep. 133 Dec 21, 2024

Show notes

10 out of 10! 5 stars! Excellent! Amazing!

Wouldn't it be nice if you could reflect on the upcoming holidays with this sentiment? In this episode of the Small Jar Podcast, I explore how...not by creating perfect circumstances, but by taking ownership of your emotional experience. Like a teacher, we have an internal "rubric" for judging our lives. But this often leads to disappointment when reality doesn't meet our expectations. Join me as I uncover how to redefine those expectations, embrace the messy beauty of life with our teens, and empower ourselves to create joy and peace this holiday season, no matter what comes our way. Tune in to discover how you can transform your holiday experience from good to truly great!

🎯 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.

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