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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:

Lifelong Connection in Motherhood with Your Big Kids - Special Guest Esther Joy Goetz | Ep. 62 Aug 12, 2023

Show notes

I was honored to have author, influencer, connector and founder of Moms of Bigs, Esther Joy Goetz join me to talk about the lifelong journey of being a mom and how to create a lifelong connection with your children. Esther's motte is to "give our BIG KIDS (teens and young adults) the roots of love and the wings of freedom to be completely themselves." In our conversation, we explored how to do this, but even more, how to find love and compassion for ourselves in the process. Motherhood is hard, and none of us get it right all of the time. But how can you create the mindset to achieve a relationship with your children that "invites not demands" and so that we as moms are no longer "responsible for" but "responsible to" our children. Follow Esther @momsofbigs and www.estherjoygoetz.com.

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 of the Pressure to Make Everyone Happy — A Mindset Shift for Moms of Teens | Ep. 61 Aug 05, 2023

Show notes

This episode came to life during a family vacation—what should’ve been a chance to unwind but turned into a mirror reflecting how hard I still am on myself, even in rest. As my oldest prepares to head off to college, I found myself tangled in a familiar trap: the belief that if everyone isn’t perfectly happy, I’ve somehow failed as a mom.

In this conversation, I open up about the internal pressure so many of us moms of teens feel—the overthinking, the constant self-blame, the anxiety that our teen’s emotional state is our responsibility. I talk about how easy it is to fall into the belief that peace, confidence, and fulfillment are always just one more thing away: a better plan, a happier child, a more perfect moment.

But here’s the truth I’ve had to learn over and over again: you don’t have to earn peace. You don’t have to wait for your teen to smile, succeed, or feel better to let yourself off the hook.

If you’re stuck in mom guilt, if your happiness feels tied to your teen’s mood or milestones, this episode will help you untangle that pattern and reconnect to your own calm, confident center—even in the messiness 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.

Letting Go on College Move-In Day — A Mindset Shift for Moms of Teens Stepping Into the Empty Nest | Ep. 60 Jul 29, 2023

Show notes

College drop-off is coming, and the countdown has begun. Whether you're sending your first or your last off to school, this episode is about the tidal wave of emotions that comes with this milestone moment in motherhood. For me, it’s a mix of pride, grief, excitement, and anxiety—all tangled up in the space between what’s ending and what’s beginning.

In this episode, I talk about what it means to truly let go—not just of your child, but of the guilt, the shame, the pressure to hold it all together. I share what it looks like to stay grounded in your emotions while also showing up for your teen as they launch into a brand new world. And I open up about the mindset traps that can make this transition feel even harder than it needs to be.

You’ll hear how I’m preparing—not just with mini fridges and mattress toppers—but emotionally, to support my son and honor my own experience. Because this isn’t just a transition for our kids; it’s a transformation for us, too.

If you’re a mom navigating the bittersweet season of parenting teens and stepping into the empty nest, this episode will help you process your feelings with compassion, set healthy boundaries, and remember you’re not alone. This is about finding peace and purpose—even as you say goodbye.

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 Dream Teen Checklist: Special Group Coaching Edition | Ep. 59 Jul 22, 2023

Show notes

Join me for a sneak peak into one of Small Jar's recent Group Coaching Workshops, where we explore the topic of relationships, particularly the dream relationship we want with our teenager. In coaching, almost any topic we explore often comes down to relationships...those we have with others, and also the one we have with ourselves. In this episode, I have omitted the individual coaching to respect the privacy of those brave enough to get coached in front of the group, but this episode includes the opening workshop and Q&A. Subscribe to Small Jar on www.thesmalljar.com to get invitations to attend future group calls (for free!).

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 Problem with “Happy Thoughts” — Why Real Peace in Parenting Teens Starts with Emotional Honesty | Ep. 58 Jul 15, 2023

Show notes

I used to believe that if I could just change my thoughts, I’d feel better—less anxious, more calm, more in control. But when life as a mom of teens started to feel like a constant emotional roller coaster, I realized: positive thinking alone wasn’t enough.

In this episode, I explore the real power of mindset—not as a quick fix, but as a tool to help us stop overthinking, release mom guilt, and create space for the full range of emotions we experience in the empty nest years. I share powerful stories, including the resilience of a young woman who found joy after tragedy, and the hard truth about why shaming ourselves for our feelings only deepens the pain.

Together, we’ll explore:

Why “thinking happy thoughts” doesn’t work—and what to do instead
How anxiety about our teens’ futures hijacks our emotional wellbeing
The role of emotional acceptance and why it’s essential in parenting teens
How to begin letting go without losing connection—with your child or yourself

If you’ve been trying to hold it all together while silently falling apart, this episode will help you reconnect with your own emotional truth—and remind you that real peace doesn’t come from pretending, but from powerful, honest mindset work.

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 the House Gets Quiet — Facing Loneliness and Reclaiming Yourself in the Empty Nest Years | Ep. 57 Jul 08, 2023

Show notes

This episode came from a quiet moment on a family trip—my first without my boys. As I walked onto the ferry alone, I felt the full weight of what it means to be a mom in the teen and empty nest years. The emotional space once filled with cuddles and chaos is quieter now. And while I cherish the independence my kids are building, I’m also discovering what it means to be truly alone—with my thoughts, my memories, and myself.

This episode is for you if:

You’ve ever felt the ache of watching your teen pull away
You’re navigating the loneliness that sneaks in when they start spending more time behind closed doors—or out of the house altogether
You’re feeling anxious or untethered in this new chapter and need a mindset shift to reconnect with your own emotional truth

We explore how mom guilt, overthinking, and our brain’s built-in negativity bias make this season harder than it needs to be—and what it really means to let go, not just of your kids, but of the pressure to always feel okay. If you’ve been running from your own thoughts, this episode will guide you toward the one person who holds the key to calm, confidence, and fulfillment in this season: 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.

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.

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