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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 Resolutions — A Midlife Mom’s Guide to Becoming Who You’re Meant to Be | Ep. 82 Dec 30, 2023

Show notes

This isn’t your typical New Year’s pep talk. I’m not giving you a checklist or another resolution to chase. In this episode, I share the truth I’ve lived into this past year: that the most powerful change we can make as moms is to decide—on purpose—who we want to be. Not just for our kids, but for ourselves. I talk about the mindset shifts that freed me from perfectionism, the emotional work that helped me stop outsourcing my peace, and what it means to evolve into Mom 2.0. If you're ready to stop hustling for worth, let go of what’s not working, and step into the next version of yourself with confidence and clarity—this episode is your invitation.

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 12 Holiday Mindset Traps — Why Moms of Teens Feel So Much Pressure This Season | Ep. 81 Dec 23, 2023

Show notes

The holidays are supposed to be magical—but if you’re anything like me, you’re feeling more stress, anxiety, and guilt than peace and joy. In this episode, I walk through the 12 mindset traps that sneak up on us this time of year—especially as moms of teens and college kids navigating the emotional chaos of a not-quite-empty nest.

We talk about everything from mind-reading and perfectionism to overthinking, control, and the fear of the unknown. And I don’t just name the traps—I help you start to loosen their grip, so you can find more calm, connection, and self-compassion in the middle of it all.

If you’ve been beating yourself up, trying to make everyone else happy, or feeling like something’s wrong with you for not loving this season more, this episode is your permission slip to pause, breathe, and start letting go—on your terms.

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.

Mind Reading — The Mindset Trap That Fuels Guilt, Overthinking, and Disconnection for Moms of Teens | Ep. 80 Dec 16, 2023

Show notes

As a mom of teens, I used to spend so much time trying to read between the lines—guessing what my kids were thinking, how they were feeling, and whether I’d done something wrong. It felt like I was constantly walking on eggshells, trying to stay ahead of an emotional explosion or fix something I didn’t even fully understand. That’s the mindset trap of mind reading, and it’s one of the biggest sources of anxiety, guilt, and overthinking for moms in the parenting-teen and empty nest seasons.

In this episode, I unpack why this trap is so sneaky and exhausting—how it disconnects us from our kids and erodes our confidence as moms. You’ll learn how emotional regulation and mindset shifts can help you stop making assumptions, start letting go of what you can’t control, and build real connection with your teen instead.

If you're tired of second-guessing yourself, jumping to conclusions, or spinning in stories that leave you feeling anxious or disconnected, this episode is your invitation to pause, breathe, and trust what's true.

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.

Fear of the Unknown — The Mindset Trap That Keeps Moms Anxious and Stuck as They Launch Teens | Ep. 79 | Ep. 79 Dec 09, 2023

Show notes

There’s a moment in motherhood when you look up and realize your teen is about to take flight—and suddenly, everything about the future feels uncertain. In this episode, I unpack the fear of the unknown, a powerful mindset trap that fuels anxiety, overthinking, and the need to control things we simply can’t.

As a mom of teens, I know how easy it is to spiral into guilt or fear—especially when we feel disconnected from our kids or unsure what life will look like after they leave home. But understanding how this fear works on a brain level (and how emotional regulation and mindset shifts can help) is the key to letting go with more peace and less panic.

We talk about why uncertainty feels so overwhelming, how it plays out in parenting teens, and how you can reconnect with yourself—your calm, confident self—even in the middle of big unknowns.

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.

Labeling — The Mindset Trap That Damages Connection and Shapes How Moms See Their Teens | Ep. 78 Dec 02, 2023

Show notes

As moms of teens, it’s so easy to fall into the habit of labeling—our kids, our partners, even ourselves. We call them lazy, dramatic, gifted, or rebellious. We call ourselves anxious, stuck, impatient, or unmotivated. But these labels—while they might feel like shortcuts—can quietly shape the way we parent, how we connect, and even how we define our identity in this season of motherhood.

In this episode, I explore the mindset trap of labeling, why our brains do it, and how it often backfires by fueling guilt, overthinking, anxiety, and disconnection. You’ll learn why even seemingly harmless labels can create emotional distance, especially during the sensitive and identity-forming teen years. We’ll also talk about how to practice emotional regulation, shift your mindset, and start letting go of the rigid stories you’ve been telling about yourself and your child. Because behind every label is a human who deserves to be seen more fully—including 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.

The Holiday Overwhelm Moms of Teens Don’t Talk About — Part II | Ep. 77 Nov 25, 2023

Show notes

We talk a lot about “being present,” especially during the holidays—but let’s be honest: as a mom of teens, sometimes the present moment feels more frustrating than fulfilling. In this episode, I get real about what it actually means to stay grounded in the now, especially when your mind is spinning with anxiety, guilt, overthinking, and holiday pressure.

I open up about my own experience trying to be more mindful during Thanksgiving—and how boredom, overwhelm, and unmet expectations made it surprisingly hard. We explore how mindset traps, like perfectionism and control, hijack our emotional regulation and disconnect us from the peace and connection we’re craving.

Whether you’re deep in the parenting-teen years or transitioning to the empty nest, this conversation is about letting go—not of your people, but of the mental noise that keeps you from fully living your life. Because being present isn’t just about calm—it’s about courage, awareness, and reclaiming your power moment by moment.

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 Holiday Overwhelm Moms of Teens Don’t Talk About — Finding Calm, Connection, and Presence | Ep. 76| Ep. 76 Nov 18, 2023

Show notes

As a mom of teens, the holidays hit differently now. I want to create joy, tradition, and connection—but underneath the twinkling lights is a quiet pressure that leaves me anxious, overwhelmed, and often carrying the emotional burden alone. In this episode, I open up about the deep ambivalence that so many moms feel this time of year: the joy and the dread, the gratitude and the guilt, the connection and the disconnection—all swirling in the same moment.

We’ll explore how this mindset of perfectionism and over-responsibility quietly pulls us out of the present, fuels overthinking, and disconnects us from the very peace we’re chasing. You’ll learn why emotional regulation is the foundation for letting go of unrealistic expectations and how embracing both the magic and the mess is the real path to feeling more grounded.

This conversation is for any mom navigating the complexity of parenting teens and young adults through the holidays—and longing to feel more present, more calm, and more like herself.

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.

Letting Go on the College Tour — A Mindset Shift for Moms of Teens | Ep. 75 Nov 11, 2023

Show notes

I used to think the college process was all about helping my teen succeed. But this past week, during a whirlwind of campus tours with one son and Parents Weekend with the other, I realized just how much my own mindset has shifted. This episode isn’t just about college visits—it’s about the emotional rollercoaster we ride as moms of teens and how our hopes, expectations, and anxiety can quietly morph into pressure, overthinking, and attempts to control.

I share candidly about how my own fears and guilt played out during my older son’s journey—and how they impacted our connection. And I reflect on how emotional regulation and letting go (the real kind) have changed everything about how I show up now. This isn’t about checking a box or getting into the “right” school. It’s about trusting your teen to define success on their own terms—and learning how to love and support them without losing yourself.

If you’ve ever found yourself awake at night worrying about your teen’s future, this one’s for you. Let’s talk about mindset, motherhood, and the gift of truly seeing our kids for who they are—right now.

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.

Emotional Reasoning — The Trap That Makes Moms Believe Their Anxiety, Guilt, and Fear Are Facts | Ep. 74 Nov 04, 2023

Show notes

Have you ever felt anxious, guilty, or afraid—and assumed it meant something was wrong with your teen, your parenting, or even you? In this episode, I explore one of the most powerful and sneaky mindset traps moms face: emotional reasoning. This is the trap where we mistake our feelings for facts—and it’s a major reason we stay stuck in overthinking, self-doubt, and emotional chaos.

As a mom of teens navigating everything from school struggles to social drama to the looming empty nest, I know firsthand how intense our emotions can get. But what if our mindset—not our circumstances—is what’s creating all that stress? I walk you through how this trap plays out in everyday parenting moments, from unreturned texts to college anxiety, and how we can learn to regulate our emotions, trust our teens, and let go of control without disconnecting.

This episode is for every mom who wants to stop reacting out of fear and start responding from a place of clarity, connection, and self-trust.

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.

Identity Crisis — Letting Go, Losing Yourself, and Starting Again as a Mom of Teens | Ep. 73 Oct 28, 2023

Show notes

When my son started to pull away, I panicked. I thought I was losing him—and, in many ways, I was. But what I didn’t expect was how much of myself I’d lose in the process. In this episode, I open up about one of the most profound mindset traps I’ve experienced as a mom of teens: the identity crisis that hits long before the empty nest actually begins.

Motherhood has been my purpose, my structure, and my emotional anchor. But as my kids grow up and push for independence, I’ve had to face the grief, the anxiety, and the disorientation that comes with letting go of being the caregiver, the cop, even the coach—and trying to figure out who I am beyond all that.

This conversation is for every mom who feels stuck in overthinking, self-doubt, or the quiet heartbreak of disconnection. It’s about emotional regulation, self-discovery, and learning how to reclaim your identity and confidence in this next chapter. Because you are not just a mom. You’re a woman who still has so much life—and love—left to live.

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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