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:

The Mindset Traps Moms Don’t Talk About — A Real Conversation on Perfection, Comparison, and Letting Go with Ali Flynn | Ep. 72 Oct 21, 2023

Show notes

This week, I had the gift of sitting down with Ali Flynn, the creator of Hang In There, Mama, and a fellow mom walking the wild ride of raising teens and young adults. Our conversation was deeply honest—about perfectionism, comparison, emotional regulation, and the ways we as moms lose ourselves while trying to hold everything (and everyone) together.

We opened up about what it’s like to parent teens in a world flooded with unrealistic expectations—from body image to social media pressures—and how both our daughters and sons struggle silently. We talked about mindset traps like all-or-nothing thinking, guilt, and overthinking, and how they show up for both us and our kids. Most importantly, we talked about how letting go—not just of control, but of outdated ideas about what motherhood "should" look like—is the only path to feeling connected, confident, and grounded.

Whether you're a mom of teens dealing with anxiety, setting boundaries, or simply wondering, “Is this enough?”—this episode will remind you that you are not alone. Join us for an honest, compassionate conversation that’s packed with encouragement and the kind of truth we don’t always see online.

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.

Personalization (aka Mom Guilt) — The Mindset Trap That Keeps You Stuck in Overthinking and Disconnection | Ep. 71| Oct 14, 2023

Show notes

Guilt used to drive my parenting. If my teen was struggling, it must have been something I did. If I lost my temper, I spiraled in shame. And if I tried to set a boundary? I felt selfish. In this episode, I dig deep into the mindset trap of mom guilt—how it sneaks in, how it drives overthinking and anxiety, and how it quietly disconnects us from the very kids we’re trying to protect.

I’ll share why guilt is often mistaken for love, how it impacts our ability to parent teens with confidence, and what it takes to shift into a healthier mindset rooted in emotional regulation, clarity, and connection—not self-blame.

Whether you're dealing with daily blowups, the long goodbye of the empty nest, or the silent second-guessing that creeps in every night, this episode offers real tools for letting go of guilt and reclaiming your peace in 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.

Perfectionism — Why Moms of Teens Struggle to Let Go and Still Don’t Feel Good Enough | Ep. 70 Oct 07, 2023

Show notes

Being forced to slow down this week gave me the space to reflect on something that’s been simmering for a while: perfectionism. Not the kind we brag about in job interviews—but the kind that quietly runs the show in motherhood, parenting teens, and navigating the empty nest.

Whether or not you call yourself a “perfectionist,” this mindset trap is sneaky. It shows up as guilt, overthinking, needing control, and always feeling like you’re not doing enough—even when you're doing everything. We talk about the pressure to be a "good mom," how anxiety, self-worth, and societal expectations feed into our impossible standards, and what it really costs us emotionally.

If you’ve ever felt like your teen’s happiness, success, and future somehow depend entirely on you, or if you’re burnt out trying to meet everyone else’s expectations, this episode is for you. You’ll walk away with mindset shifts and tools to release the pressure, set healthier boundaries, and finally feel some peace—in both your parenting and in your own life.

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.

All or Nothing — The Mindset Trap That Keeps Moms Overwhelmed, Burned Out, and Disconnected | Ep. 69 Sep 30, 2023

Show notes

I used to believe that if I couldn’t do something perfectly, it wasn’t worth doing at all. That belief didn’t just show up in my goals—it showed up in my parenting, my marriage, my mindset, and my relationship with myself. In this episode, I unpack the all-or-nothing trap—a pattern that so many moms of teens fall into without even realizing it.

This mindset shows up when we think we’re either amazing or failing, calm or spiraling, totally connected with our teen or completely shut out. It creates emotional overwhelm, fuels anxiety, and disconnects us from the real progress and connection that lives in the in-between.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in extremes, trying to do it all or giving up entirely, this episode will help you understand what’s really going on and how to shift. We’ll talk about emotional regulation, letting go of rigid expectations, and how to reclaim a mindset that gives you permission to be human—and still be enough.

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 Comparison Trap — How Moms of Teens Lose Confidence and Connection Trying to Measure Up | Ep. 68 Sep 23, 2023

Show notes

I didn’t think I struggled with comparison—until I realized how often I measured my parenting, my kids, and even my worth against what I saw in other moms. In this episode, we dive into the comparison trap, one of the most emotionally draining mindsets for moms parenting teens and preparing for the empty nest.

Comparison doesn’t always look like jealousy. Sometimes it sounds like “Why is her teen thriving while mine struggles?” or “I should have done more.” It fuels anxiety, guilt, and overthinking, and it disconnects us from the very people we love the most—including ourselves.

I’ll walk you through how this trap impacts your mindset, how it shows up in subtle ways, and what it takes to reclaim your peace, confidence, and clarity. If you're tired of feeling behind, not good enough, or constantly second-guessing yourself, this episode offers a fresh way forward—rooted in truth, not comparison.

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.

Validation Trap — How Seeking Approval from Your Teen Keeps You Stuck | Mindset #3 | Ep. 67 Sep 16, 2023

Show notes

As a mom navigating the complexities of parenting teens, it’s easy to fall into the habit of looking to our kids for emotional validation, approval, and a sense of self-worth. But when our kids start pulling away, asserting independence, or heading off to college, we can feel unmoored—like our gravitational center has disappeared.

In this conversation, I unpack how seeking validation from our teens can lead to anxiety, low self-esteem, and even resentment. I share why this pattern is rooted in our brain’s natural desire to seek pleasure and avoid pain—and how it can quietly shape how we show up in our relationships.

If you’ve ever thought, “I’ll feel like a good mom when my teen shows me love, gratitude, or success,” this episode is for you. Let’s explore how to find emotional validation from within—so you can feel calm, grounded, and whole 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.

Catastrophizing — The Trap That Keeps Moms Anxious, Overthinking, and Bracing for the Worst | Mindset #2 | Ep. 66 Sep 09, 2023

Show notes

I used to think I was just being prepared. But what I’ve come to realize is that I was stuck in a mindset trap: catastrophizing—constantly imagining the worst-case scenario and calling it “planning.” In this episode, I dive into how this pattern shows up for moms of teens and college kids, and why it’s so emotionally exhausting.

Whether you’re parenting through high school drama, college applications, or the early days of the empty nest, this mindset often drives our anxiety, fuels overthinking, and disconnects us from the truth of the present moment. I share how our brains are wired for this kind of emotional reactivity—and how emotional regulation and awareness can help you step out of the spiral.

We’ll talk about:

How catastrophizing disguises itself as “being a good mom”
Why it robs us of peace, presence, and trust in our teens
How to let go of fear-based parenting and reconnect with confidence

If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly bracing for impact, this episode is your invitation to pause, breathe, and reclaim a calmer, clearer mindset—so you can parent from love, not fear.

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.

Confirmation Bias — The Mindset Trap That Distorts How Moms See Their Teens | Ep. 65 Sep 02, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, I open up about the powerful and often invisible mindset trap of confirmation bias, and how it can deeply impact our parenting experience, especially during the teen years and as we approach the empty nest. I share vulnerable moments from my own journey — the emotional rollercoaster of college move-in, the bittersweet tension of letting go, and a personal story about curfews and fear of disconnection — to show how our brains can convince us that our worst fears are true.

You’ll learn how confirmation bias, paired with negativity bias, can cause us to interpret our teen's actions in ways that reinforce our anxiety, frustration, and even grief. I’ll help you spot the signs, shift your perspective, and find clarity and connection with your teen, and most importantly, with yourself.

If you’ve ever caught yourself saying “My teen is pulling away,” or “I’m losing them,” this episode will help you reframe those thoughts and build a more connected and intentional mindset for this transitional 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.

Running Out of Time Parenting Teens — Letting Go of Guilt and Holding On to What Matters Most | Ep. 64 Aug 26, 2023

Show notes

When I first heard the statistic that we spend 90% of our time with our kids by the time they turn 18, my heart sank. That number hit me like a wave of regret, especially now that my son is officially an adult. Suddenly, all the ordinary moments—driving, cleaning, working—felt like missed chances for something more. And when one of my sons casually said, “We never really did anything as a family,” it pierced deeper than I expected. That’s when the guilt came rushing in.

In this episode, I open up about what it means to parent teens in the shadow of time’s passing—how we hold tight to the good, question if we did enough, and often find ourselves overthinking, worrying, and comparing our past to some imaginary perfect standard. This is about letting go of guilt and rewriting the story we tell ourselves about those 90% of moments we already lived.

Whether you're wrestling with mom guilt, struggling to stay present, or navigating the emotional roller coaster of the empty nest, this episode offers clarity and comfort. Because the truth is, the love and connection you built over the years can’t be measured in hours—and the joy you’re looking for in this next season? It’s not gone. It’s just waiting for you to notice it.

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 Success as a Mom — A Mindset Shift for Parenting Teens and Letting Go | Ep. 63 Aug 19, 2023

Show notes

If success as a mom isn’t about perfect grades, college acceptances, or constant hugs and thank-yous, then what is it really about?

In this episode, I dig deep into the emotional and mindset shift so many of us face as we move through parenting teens and into the empty nest years. I share personal stories—of gummy baby smiles, late-night curfews, and running out of gas—as I reflect on the expectations I’ve held for my kids and myself.

We talk about:

Why your vision of success as a mom might be outdated or unrealistic
How letting go of control (and guilt) opens the door to connection
The difference between authority and control—and why that matters now more than ever
What corporate strategy can teach us about setting realistic goals and shifting mindset as moms

Whether you're feeling anxious, overthinking your parenting decisions, or just wondering if you're doing enough, this episode will help you uncover your true parenting values—and give you the freedom to rewrite what success looks like 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.

Related Podcasts