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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"I'm Relieved When My Big Kid Isn't Home" —Thoughts Moms Parenting Teens and Adult Kids Are Ashamed They Think | Ep. 226
Tuesday, 10 February, 2026

Have you ever felt a sense of relief when your big kid leaves the house, and then felt terrible for feeling that way? In this episode, I explore the thought, “I'm relieved when my kid isn’t home.” If you’ve ever wondered what that thought says about you as a mom, you’re not alone. And you're not a bad mom. Whether you feel like you’re walking on eggshells, struggling with anxiety about your child’s choices, or feeling the hurt of your kid pulling away, this episode will help you feel seen. I'll discuss the difference between loving your child and taking emotional responsibility for who they are, how they feel, and how their future turns out. I explain why moms so easily slip into overthinking, self-blame, and chronic anxiety, and how this keeps us feeling stuck and exhausted. The relief you crave isn’t found in your teen’s absence, but in learning how to set boundaries and focus on who you choose to be in the relationship. 💡 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.