The Almost Empty Nest—Letting Go, Redefined: Parenting Teens and Finding Yourself Again—with Small Jar Coach

Master Coach Jennifer Collins
  • 5.0 (39)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

  1. 23H AGO

    “My Teen Is Lazy”—Thoughts Moms Parenting Teens Are Ashamed They Think | Ep. 170

    Have you ever looked at your teen—ignoring chores, blowing off school, stuck to a screen—and thought, “Why don’t they care?” Maybe you’ve even said: “They’re so lazy.” It’s not that you want to judge them. It’s that you’re worried. Worried that they’re falling behind. That they don’t seem to have drive or direction. That you’ve somehow missed your window to teach them how to be responsible. In this episode, I’m unpacking the thought “my teen is lazy”—and what’s really going on underneath it. You’ll learn: Why this thought often leads to disconnection instead of motivation What shifts when you stop trying to fix your teen and start focusing on the influence you do have How to set boundaries and expectations from a place of love—not fear And I’ll leave you with one powerful question that can shift the way you approach these moments, and your relationship with your teen. If you’ve been stuck in the cycle of nagging, resentment, or worry—this episode will help you step into a calmer, more grounded version of yourself. 💡 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.

    17 min

  2. 4D AGO

    Why Vacation Feels So Hard for Moms of Teens—And What Lets You Reconnect | Ep. 169

    Why does something that’s supposed to be fun feel so hard? You plan the vacation hoping for rest, reconnection, maybe even a few magical moments. But instead, you find yourself wondering if your teen even wants to be there. If you’ve ever come home from a family trip more drained than when you left—this episode is for you. In this conversation, I’m unpacking the real reasons vacation with teens and young adults feels so emotionally charged, especially for moms parenting teens or college kids. You’ll discover: The four hidden reasons vacation feels so hard in this stage of motherhood How unspoken expectations shape your entire experience A mindset shift that helps you reconnect—without needing your teen to change Because while we can’t script how our kids show up, we can decide how we want to respond. And sometimes, the connection we’re craving is closer than it seems. 💡 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.

    19 min

  3. JUL 23

    “I'm Just a Mom”—Thoughts Moms Parenting Teens Are Ashamed They Think | Ep. 168

    Have you ever found yourself saying, “I’m just a mom”? Maybe you wouldn’t say this out loud. The "just" a mom. Because you’re proud of being a mom. You love your kids more than anything. And yet… you can feel this ache and uncertainty when your kids don’t need you the same way anymore. You feel a sense of emptiness. Wondering who you are now. In today’s episode, I’m exploring the thought “I’m just a mom” to help you uncover the deeper fears and grief that often hide beneath it, understand how mindset traps like the identity crisis and comparison feed shame and self-doubt, and begin to reclaim your worth beyond motherhood — so you can rewrite who you want to be in this next chapter, on your own terms. If you’ve ever looked around and wondered why everyone else seems to have it figured out… or felt like you missed your chance to create something for yourself… you are not alone. And you haven’t done anything wrong. This episode is your reminder: You are not just a mom. 💡 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.

    15 min

  4. JUL 19

    Do Chores Really Make Kids More Successful When Parenting Teens? What the Research Says | Ep. 167

    Are you worried that your kid not doing their choices means they're never going to be responsible? I saw a social media post referencing a Harvard study that claims that kids who do chores grow up to be more successful—and the minute I read it I thought, "But what happens if I can't get my kid to do chores?! The study seems to affirm our deepest sense of responsibility to help our kids be good people and prepare them for the real world. But if you’ve got a teen who refuses to empty the dishwasher or  who never puts away their laundry, it can feel like you’re fighting a losing battle. And it’s easy to wonder—am I messing this up? In this episode, I break down what the research actually says—and what it doesn’t. You’ll learn why chores alone don’t build long-term success, and how the pressure to enforce responsibility can push you and your teen further apart. More importantly, I’ll show you what does work: how connection, trust, and emotional consistency are what truly help teens take ownership of their choices. And how shifting your own mindset can turn power struggles into opportunities for growth. If you’ve been stuck in the cycle of nagging, second-guessing, or trying to “make” your teen responsible, this episode will help you refocus—not on the chore chart, but on the relationship that matters most. 💡 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.

    30 min

  5. JUL 16

    “My Kid Doesn't Like Me”—Thoughts Moms Parenting Teens Are Ashamed They Think | Ep. 166

    Absolutely—here’s a refined version in your voice: warm, grounded, emotionally honest, and empowering, with the right mix of personal connection and clear value: Have you ever thought, “My kid doesn’t even like me”—and then felt a mix of heartbreak and shame, because you can’t believe this is where you’ve ended up after everything you’ve poured into them? If so, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too. And I’ve coached so many moms who’ve sat with this exact fear in silence, wondering what they did wrong and how to fix it. In this episode, I’m sharing a really personal story about a time when I felt totally disconnected from one of the people I love most—when every attempt to bridge the gap only seemed to push us further apart. And I’ll walk you through what I’ve learned since then about why this happens and how we can begin to find our footing again. Here’s what you’ll take away from this conversation: How to recognize one of the tricky mindset traps you might be falling into with your teen—and why it never brings the connection you want A simple shift to stop needing their reassurance so you can show up from strength instead of fear What it looks like to love your child unconditionally… even when they’re not making it easy If things feel strained or distant with your teen or adult child right now, this episode will help you breathe a little deeper—and start showing up in a way that feels more like you. ✨ Want to go deeper in this work with me? 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.

    15 min

  6. JUL 12

    Parenting Teens in the Empty Nest Straddle—How Moms Can Let Go Without Losing Themselves | Ep. 165

    Are you a mom navigating the wild terrain of parenting teens — where one minute they need you and the next they’re pushing you away? Then this episode will show you that you're not alone. I call this stretch of motherhood the Empty Nest Straddle™ — that long, uncertain season when you're still deeply involved in your kids' lives…while also learning to let go. It’s messy. Emotional. And completely normal. But most moms feel totally unprepared for it. In this episode, I share: Why uncertainty is the real reason this stage feels so overwhelming — and how your brain is wired to fight against it The surprising truth about confidence (and why it’s not something you have to wait to “earn”) What self-trust actually looks like in everyday moments with your teen — and how to start rebuilding it, even if you feel unsure How you can feel more grounded, present, and proud of who you are right now, without needing to control everything or fix everyone I also share parts of my own story — the hard lessons I’ve had to learn about control, fear, and trust — and how they’ve shaped my work as a coach. This episode is an invitation to come back to yourself. To stop waiting for your teen to change in order to feel okay. And to remember that even in this messy middle, you have the power to show up with calm, confidence, and clarity. ✨ Want to go deeper in this work with me? 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.

    25 min

  7. JUL 9

    “I’m Afraid I Messed My Kid Up.”—Thoughts Moms Parenting Teens Are Ashamed They Think | Ep. 164

    Have you ever looked at something your teen is doing and thought, “What if this is my fault?” Maybe that you pushed too hard… or not hard enough. Maybe you missed a sign or set the wrong boundaries. If you've ever wondered whether you somehow messed up your kid, you're not alone. In this episode, I open up about the fear so many moms of teens and college-age kids carry: that our choices, our reactions, or our mistakes in the past have damaged our children. And I explore how this fear isn’t a sign that you’ve failed—it’s a sign that you care deeply. You’ll learn how mindset traps like personalization and the illusion of control quietly fuel guilt, shame, and worst-case scenario thinking—especially when your teen is struggling and you feel helpless. By the end of this episode, you’ll discover: Why the belief that “I should’ve been able to prevent this” is a lie that keeps you stuck How to shift out of guilt and self-blame into calm, confident parenting A new way to view your teen’s struggle—so you can show up with love, not fear 🎯 Want to take this work deeper? Save your seat for the next free masterclass—click here to sign up: 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.

    23 min

  8. JUL 5

    How to Manage the Anxiety of Parenting Teens: 4 Steps to Let Go Without Losing Control | Ep. 163

    Have you ever felt like your mind is constantly spinning with fear about your teen’s safety, choices, or future—and no matter how hard you try, you just can’t turn it off?It's not just you. In fact, what's really going on is that you’re a mom trying to love and protect your child in a chapter that feels wildly out of your control. In this episode, I’m sharing the real truth about the anxiety we moms of teens and empty nesters carry. From sleepless nights and worst-case thinking to panic and the urge to control my boys, I've been there.  But there is a way to step off the rollercoaster. I’ll walk you through four powerful mindset shifts that will help you stop reacting from fear and start parenting from calm confidence. You’ll learn: How to interrupt anxiety before it spirals into control or panic A proven 4-step process to regulate your emotions in the moment How to shift from overthinking to intention—even when things feel uncertain or out of your hands 🎯 Want to take this work deeper? Save your seat for the next free masterclass—click here to sign up: 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.

    32 min
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5
out of 5
39 Ratings

About

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.

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