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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:

Unconditional Connection with Your Teen: Letting Go Without Losing Love | Ep. 132 Dec 14, 2024

Show notes

Join me as I open up about the emotional tug-of-war that comes with parenting a high school senior as they prepare to leave the nest. It’s a time of mixed emotions—grappling with pride, fear, and the bittersweet realization that life is changing. I share personal stories and insights on how to let go of the expectations that often define our connection with our teens, and instead, learn to embrace unconditional love and connection, even as they grow more independent. This episode is a guide for navigating this transformative time with intention and purpose.

🎯 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.

A Gift for My Teen: Letting Go of Expectations, Holding On to Love | Ep. 131 Dec 07, 2024

Show notes

The emotions of parenting teens can hit hard—whether it’s waiting for big college news, managing the quiet shift of an almost-empty nest, or navigating the bittersweet joy of watching your kids grow up. In this week’s episode, I’m sharing one of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned as a mom: how to create unconditional love, connection, and purpose—no matter the challenges or changes that come our way. This episode isn’t just about giving your teen the space to grow; it’s about discovering the gift of growth for 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.

Choosing Peace: Letting Go of Expectations in Motherhood and the Holidays | Ep. 130 Nov 30, 2024

Show notes

The holiday season is upon us—filled with joy, love, and, let’s be honest, a fair share of stress. In this episode, I invite you to consider that peace isn't something you have to earn...but instead something that you have the power to choose. Join me as I share how you can step off the hamster wheel of expectations—your own and everyone else's—and truly embrace a sense of calm and connection. As you navigate the holidays, give yourself the most precious gift of all—the ability to choose peace.

🎯 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.

Overcoming Dread: How Moms of Teens Can Find Peace in the Hard Moments | Ep. 129 Nov 23, 2024

Show notes

As a mom of teens, I know how easy it is to slip into dread—whether it’s the emotional minefield of parenting, the stress of the holidays, or the quiet ache of the empty nest creeping in. In this episode, I share how I’ve learned to stop overthinking and start letting go of what I can’t control. Dread isn’t just anxiety—it’s the belief that hard things are inevitable and that we’ll be powerless when they arrive. But through mindset work, life coaching tools, and honest reflection, I’ve found a way to set boundaries, reduce anxiety, and reconnect with my purpose in motherhood. If you’ve been feeling the weight of what’s coming, this episode is for 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.

Overcoming Overwhelm - A Midlife Mom's Guide to Letting Go of the To-Do List | Ep. 128 Nov 16, 2024

Show notes

The holidays are approaching, and as midlife moms, the season can feel like a swirling storm of expectations, obligations, and emotions. We juggle so much—family traditions, holiday planning, our children’s ever-changing needs, and the bittersweet reality of approaching the empty nest. It’s no wonder we feel stretched thin. Overwhelm can manifest as a tangled web of stress, anxiety, guilt, and frustration, making it hard to enjoy what should be a season of peace and joy. Let’s make this holiday different, my friend. Join me in this episode to learn how to overcome overwhelm--both over the holidays and in the year to come.

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.

Overcoming Disappointment - Letting Go of What Should Have Been | Ep. 127 Nov 09, 2024

Show notes

Welcome back to the Small Jar's ONE Obstacle series where we’re diving into the one thing holding so many of us back from creating the happiness we want in midlife. This week, I’m diving into that tricky emotion we all encounter but rarely name: disappointment. Why is it so hard to admit that we’re disappointed—sometimes with our lives, our relationships, or even with ourselves? Let’s talk about why this feeling shows up, what it really means, and how we can shift from feeling stuck in it to feeling empowered.

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.

Overcoming Worry and Anxiety - How Moms Can Reclaim Peace While Raising Teens | Ep. 126 Nov 02, 2024

Show notes

Welcome back to the second episode in Small Jar's new series where we’re diving into the one thing holding so many of us back from creating the happiness we crave in midlife. In this episode, I’m diving into one of the most common obstacles we face in midlife—worry. Whether it’s our kids, our relationships, or uncertainty about the future, worry can consume us, leaving us feeling powerless and disconnected from the moments that matter most. I’ll explore why our minds are wired for worry and how it keeps us stuck. Whether your mind falls prey to mindset traps or if you find yourself trying to control the people or outcomes around you, all of this only serves to heighten anxiety. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by worry, join me to discover how you can reclaim your peace, set powerful boundaries, and show up for yourself with intention.

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.

From Overwhelmed to Empowered: Overcoming the One Obstacle That Keeps Moms of Teens Stuck | Ep. 125 Oct 26, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to a brand-new series on the Small Jar Podcast where we’re diving into the one thing holding so many of us back from creating the happiness we crave in midlife. If you’re a mom of teens or an empty nester, feeling like your world is shifting as your kids grow more independent, you’re not alone. What if I told you that there's one obstacle keeping you stuck, and that understanding this obstacle emotion is the key to unlocking a new chapter of peace, purpose, and joy in your life. In this episode, I’ll break down why this obstacle is so difficult to overcome, why the typical solutions don’t work, and how you can finally overcome it. If you're ready to get unstuck and start living the life that you want, join me for this new series launch!

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.

This Moment Will Never Come Again: A Wake-Up Call for Moms of Teens in Transition | Ep . 124 Oct 19, 2024

Show notes

As moms in midlife, we face a lot of challenges. In this week's episode, I'm diving into something that’s been heavy on my heart lately—navigating my son's senior year, the pressure of college applications, and all the emotions that come with it. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by stress or found yourself worrying endlessly about your child’s future, you’ll want to listen in.

I'll be sharing the roller coaster of emotions I've been experiencing, and more importantly, how I’ve been working through it all. But here’s the twist—it's not just about managing anxiety or forcing gratitude. It’s about truly understanding how our minds work, why those stressful thoughts show up, and what it means to be present even when life feels chaotic.

So, if you’re ready to explore how to find peace in the midst of the storm, how to recognize the purpose behind your thoughts, and how to see the beauty in your life—even when it’s messy—this episode is for you. Join me as we unpack the journey of embracing both the joy and the challenge of these pivotal moments.

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.

Who’s Taking Care of You? A Mom’s Survival Guide to Letting Go Without Falling Apart | Ep. 123 Oct 12, 2024

Show notes

No matter how old your child, no matter what else you have on your plate, I bet you drop everything if they need you. It's just what we do as moms. You do everything in your power to support their dreams. We're working so hard to support the needs of everyone else in our life. But, who's taking care of us? Even though we wouldn't trade anything for the gift of being a mom, this sense of purpose and meaning doesn't solve for the anxiety and stress we can feel as we navigate raising and launching our kids. It doesn't solve for the loneliness we start to feel as our kids become busier in their lives and eventually leave home. In this episode, I explore the question - who's taking care of you. And how you can learn to take care of yourself on a deeper level than ever before.

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.

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