The Almost Empty NestLetting Go, Redefined: Parenting Teens and Finding Yourself Againwith Small Jar Coach

Author: Master Coach Jennifer Collins

Are you stuck between wanting to guide your teen or college kid and knowing its 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, youll learn how to: Break free from mindset traps like catastrophizing, mom guilt, and the illusion of control Build a stronger relationship with your teeneven 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 coachand mom of two college kidsJennifer 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.
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Language: en

Genres: Education, Kids & Family, Parenting, Self-Improvement

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Mindset Traps of Parenting Teens and the Empty Nest—Trap #3: Comparison Trap—Seeing Your Life Without the Pressure to Keep Up | Ep. 205
Saturday, 29 November, 2025

Have you ever heard another mom talk about her teen’s success and instantly felt that little drop in your stomach—like you missed something or should be doing more? If so, you’re not alone. This next episode of the Mindset Traps of Parenting Teens and the Empty Nest series digs into why comparison is such a natural instinct for us moms. Comparison feels like you’re just observing the world…but really, it’s your brain slipping into a survival pattern that makes you question your parenting, your teen’s progress, and even your worth. And during this stage of motherhood—when you're navigating that delicate balance between holding on and letting go—that pressure can show up everywhere. In this episode, I break down why your mind automatically compares and how it fuels overthinking and anxiety. You’ll learn how comparison steals your peace, puts pressure on your connection with your child, and wears down your confidence as a mom. Most importantly, you’ll hear how to shift out of this trap so you can build a sense of self-trust that can only come from within. 💡 Interested in learning more about how to create peace, confidence and connection as you raise and launch your teen? Join me for my next free masterclass: 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.