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

“My Kid Doesn't Want Anything To Do with Me”—Thoughts Moms Parenting Teens and Adult Kids Are Ashamed They Think | Ep. 262 17.06.2026 24min

Have you ever looked at your teen or adult child and thought, they don’t want anything to do with me?  In this episode, I explore one of the most painful thoughts many moms carry in silence while parenting teens and navigating the empty nest transition. Join me as I talk about why distance from our kids can feel so personal. We’ll uncover the mindset traps that convince us something is wrong, how those beliefs fuel our anxiety, and why letting go often feels harder than we expected.  If you’re a mom struggling with disconnection, loneliness, or uncertainty about your relationship with your child, this episode will leave you feeling more grounded, hopeful, and empowered. You’ll walk away with a new perspective on connection, finding purpose beyond your child’s approval, and trusting that this difficult season is not the whole story. 💡 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 programs (including 1:1 and group coaching): 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.

Mindset Traps of Parenting Teens and the Empty Nest—Trap #10: The Identity Trap—Who Are You When Your Kid Stops Needing You? | Ep. 261 13.06.2026 21min

Who are you when your child no longer needs you in the ways they once did? In this episode, I explore the Identity Trap...the mindset pattern that can come up for us as our kids grow up, become more independent, and begin building lives of their own. While these changes are a natural part of parenting, they can leave many moms feeling lost and disconnected from themselves. I'll share why this transition can feel so unsettling, how we often tie our sense of purpose and worth to being needed, and why letting go is about so much more than our kids leaving home. You'll learn how this trap fuels anxiety, keeps us stuck in old roles, and makes it harder to create a fulfilling next chapter. Most importantly, I'll show you how to begin redefining yourself beyond motherhood...not by filling  your calendar, but by deciding who you want to be. If you've been questioning your purpose, struggling with the changes that come with parenting teens, or wondering what's next for you, this episode will help you feel more grounded, empowered, and excited about the possibilities ahead. 💡 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 programs (including 1:1 and group coaching): 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.

“I Feel Like I'm the Only Mom Who Doesn't Have It All Together”—Thoughts Moms Parenting Teens and Adult Kids Are Ashamed They Think | Ep. 260 10.06.2026 21min

Do you ever feel like everyone else has parenting figured out while you're struggling to keep up? In this episode, I explore why this thought comes up so often during the teen and young adult years, and how comparison can turn everyday parenting challenges into evidence that we're somehow failing. I’ll also look at the hidden costs of measuring yourself against impossible standards...how it erodes your confidence, affects your relationship with your child, and keeps you focused on what’s wrong instead of what’s working. Most importantly, I’ll share a different way to think about what it means to be a good mom during this season of motherhood. If you've ever wondered whether you're doing enough, getting it right, or somehow falling behind, this episode will help you build more trust in yourself. Because having it together isn’t about being perfect...it’s about continuing to show up with love, even when parenting feels hard. 💡 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 programs (including 1:1 and group coaching): 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.

How to Get Your Teen to Open Up—A Parenting Teens Mindset Reset | Ep. 259 06.06.2026 24min

Have you ever wished your teen would open up to you...but when they finally do, you find yourself giving advice, asking too many questions, or trying to fix the problem? In this episode, I explore why helping your teen feel safe enough to talk isn't about finding the perfect words. It's about understanding what's happening inside of you in those moments. I'll uncover three common mindset patterns that can unintentionally push teens away, even when they're rooted in love and good intentions. You'll learn how to let go of anxiety, stop overthinking, and show up as the calm, connected mom you want to be. Whether you're parenting teens or navigated the empty nest, this conversation will help you strengthen your relationship, practice letting go, and navigate motherhood with more confidence, self-awareness, and trust. 💡 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 programs, both 1:1 and group: 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.

“I'm Dreading Having My Big Kid Home This Summer”—Thoughts Moms Parenting Teens and Adult Kids Are Ashamed They Think | Ep. 258 03.06.2026 14min

As much as you love your big kid, do you ever sometimes think, “I’m dreading having them home this summer?”  In this episode, I’m unpacking one of the thoughts moms are often too ashamed to say out loud. As summer approaches, many of us imagine the tension, worry, conflict, or disruption that might come with having an older teen or college-aged child back under our roof. And before summer even begins, we’ve already convinced ourselves we know exactly how it’s going to go. I’ll explore why this thought creates so much emotional weight, the hidden mindset trap behind it, and how our brains turn past experiences into predictions about the future. More importantly, I’ll show you how those predictions can quietly shape your relationship with your child...and steal your peace before anything has even happened. If you're parenting teens, navigating the empty nest transition, or simply wanting a more connected and peaceful summer with your child, this episode will help you let go of the story you've already written and open yourself to what's actually possible. 💡 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 programs (including 1:1 and group coaching): 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.

Parenting Teens and Adult Kids and Why It's So Hard to Stay Present for Their Wins | Ep. 257 30.05.2026 18min

Have you ever noticed how quickly you move from celebrating a win for your big kid to worrying about what comes next? In this episode, I explore a hidden challenge many moms face: our tendency to rush past our kids' successes (especially the small ones) instead of fully experiencing it. After receiving incredible news from my son about a goal he had worked toward for years, I caught myself doing exactly what so many of us do. Instead of staying present in the joy, my mind immediately jumped to the next challenge and the next thing that could go wrong. That experience inspired a deeper conversation about why Moms often struggle with letting go, even when things are going well. In this episode, I share three common ways we rob ourselves of our children’s wins, how our mindset keeps us focused on future worries, and why learning to be present for success is just as important as preparing for challenges. You’ll leave with practical life insights to help you stay present for the moments that matter 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 programs (including 1:1 and group coaching): 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.

“I Feel So Alone In This Experience of Raising Big Kids”—Thoughts Moms Parenting Teens and Adult Kids Are Ashamed They Think | Ep. 256 27.05.2026 20min

If you're parenting teens or navigating the empty nest, there's a good chance you've felt it... that sense that no one else is carrying what you're carrying. Not because you don't have people around you. You might have a partner, friends, even other moms in your life. But something about this stage feels uniquely isolating. The things that are hard now are harder to say out loud. And when you do try to talk about it, you walk away feeling like the other person didn't quite get it. So you keep it in. You edit. You share just enough... and privately wonder why this feels so hard for you when everyone else seems to be managing just fine. And that story..."I'm alone in this..." starts to impact how you show up with your child. And the way you trust, or stop trusting, your own instincts. . What if that loneliness isn't telling you the truth about your situation? What if there's a different way to understand what's actually happening in your mind... and what it's costing you? Join me in this episode to feel less alone, and more present in the moments that actually matter. 💡 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.

Graduation Isn't Just About Them—Parenting Teens, Adult Kids, and Letting Go | Ep. 255 23.05.2026 18min

If you're a mom of teens or an adult kid approaching graduation, you already know this season brings up way more than pride and excitement. One minute you're soaking it all in... the next, you're spiraling into questions like: Did I do enough? Are they ready? Why is letting go so hard? In this episode, I talk about the hidden layers underneath graduation season... the grief about time passing, the identity shift that comes with stepping out of the daily structure of motherhood, the loss of influence we feel as our kids head into their own lives, and that quiet, nagging question so many of us carry: did I get this right? Understanding what's really driving these emotions is the first step to finding your footing in this chapter of motherhood. 💡 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.

“I Can't Stop Worrying About My Big Kid”—Thoughts Moms Parenting Teens and Adult Kids Are Ashamed They Think | Ep. 254 20.05.2026 19min

Do you ever feel like you just can’t stop worrying about your kids? No matter how old they get or how independent they become, your mind keeps replaying conversations, imagining worst-case scenarios, and searching for ways to make sure they’ll be okay. If you’re a mom navigating parenting teens or the empty nest and you find yourself doing this, you are so not alone. In this episode, I’m talking about why letting go can feel so incredibly hard in motherhood and what’s really happening when we get stuck in overthinking and anxiety about our kids. I share a personal story about my son that helped me see how deeply our brains and nervous systems are wired to protect the people we love, and why worry can start to feel almost impossible to turn off. 💡 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.

Boundaries You Set With Your Self: The Missing Piece in How You Show Up as a Mom Parenting Teens | Ep. 253 16.05.2026 19min

Have you ever promised yourself you’d stay calm, stop overthinking, or finally focus on yourself, only to end the day feeling frustrated that you reacted the same way again? If you’re a mom navigating parenting teens or the empty nest, this episode will help you understand why that happens, and why it’s not a lack of discipline. In this episode, I’m talking about the boundaries we set with ourselves and why they’re often the hardest ones to keep. I’ll show you how your mindset and emotions drive reactions you later regret. More importantly, I’ll help you understand how to stop reacting on autopilot and start showing up with more intention and self-trust. 💡 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.

“My Big Kid Is Lying”—Thoughts Moms Parenting Teens and Adult Kids Are Ashamed They Think | Ep. 252 13.05.2026 17min

Have you ever caught your big kid in a lie? Well...you're not the only one. In this episode, I'm exploring why this hits us so hard in motherhood... not just because of the behavior itself, but because of what we make it mean about our kids, our relationship, and ourselves. I’ll walk you through the mindset shifts that help you let go of anxiety and respond in a way that actually builds connection instead of creating more distance. This isn’t about excusing the lie or letting go of your values. It’s about redefining trust, setting boundaries from a grounded place, and learning how to show up as the mom you want to be, even when things feel out of control. If you’re navigating the challenges of parenting teens, feeling the emotional weight of letting go, or searching for a deeper sense of purpose in this season of motherhood, this conversation will help you feel more steady, more confident, and more connected... both to your child and to 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.

The Invisible Work of Parenting Teens and Adult Kids—And Why Mother’s Day Feels So Hard | Ep. 251 09.05.2026 21min

Mother’s Day used to leave me feeling unexpectedly disappointed...and I know I’m not alone. If you’re a mom navigating parenting teens or stepping into the empty nest, you might find yourself wondering why a day meant to celebrate motherhood can feel so heavy. In this episode, I open up about that disconnect and the invisible emotional weight so many of us carry. I take you behind the scenes of what motherhood really looks like at this stage...the constant mental loop, the overthinking, and the pressure of letting go while still wanting to stay connected. This isn’t just about one day; it’s about the deeper mindset that shapes how we experience motherhood, our relationships, and even ourselves. When we don’t feel seen, it can create anxiety, self-doubt, and that nagging sense that we’re getting it wrong. But here’s what I want for you: a shift. As a life coaching practice, I help moms begin to recognize the emotional labor they carry and learn how to reduce anxiety, stop overthinking, and show up with more clarity and confidence. This episode will help you see why your experience makes sense...and how you can start giving yourself the acknowledgment you’ve been waiting for. 💡 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.

“I Feel Emotionally Overwhelmed”—Thoughts Moms Parenting Teens and Adult Kids Are Ashamed They Think | Ep. 250 06.05.2026 18min

I know how easy it is to feel emotionally overwhelmed in this stage of motherhood, whether you’re in the thick of parenting teens or stepping into the empty nest. I’ve lived it, and I see it every day in the moms I support. In this episode, I open up about why that constant pressure, worry, and mental load doesn’t actually go away as our kids grow. If you’ve been trying to “fix” the emotional overwhelm by doing more, planning more, or even setting boundaries perfectly, this conversation will feel like a deep exhale. I walk you through a powerful mindset shift that changes how you relate to your emotions, your kids, and yourself. Because the truth is, overwhelm isn’t coming from your life...it’s being created in the way you’re thinking about it. This is where everything opens up. When you understand what’s really driving that emotional weight, you can finally start letting go without pulling away from your kids or your role as a mom. If you’re craving more peace, more clarity, and a deeper sense of purpose in this next chapter, this episode will show you what’s actually possible. 💡 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.

Mindset Traps of Parenting Teens and the Empty Nest—Trap #9: Validation Seeking—Letting Go of Needing Your Big Kid to Make You Feel Okay | Ep. 249 02.05.2026 26min

Have you ever noticed how much better you feel when your teen or adult child is open, responsive, or appreciative… and how quickly your mood drops when they’re distant or uninterested? Like you’re okay when they’re okay with you, but unsettled when they’re not? Today, I’m continuing the Mindset Traps of Parenting Teens and the Empty Nest series with a focus on validation seeking—the habit of relying on your child’s responses to determine how you feel about yourself. In this episode, I unpack why this pattern is so common for moms in this stage of motherhood, especially as you’re navigating letting go and redefining your role. You’ll start to see how easy it is to tie your sense of connection, purpose, and even identity to how your child shows up. But more importantly, I’ll show you what’s possible when you shift this. When you stop relying on your child’s responses to feel steady, you open the door to a deeper kind of confidence—one that allows you to set boundaries, trust yourself, and stay grounded no matter what. This is the work that changes how you experience both parenting teens and the empty nest, helping you feel more at peace, more connected, and more like yourself again. 💡 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.

“I Don't Trust Myself To Know What To Do As A Mom”—Thoughts Moms Parenting Teens and Adult Kids Are Ashamed They Think | Ep. 248 29.04.2026 18min

Have you ever caught yourself thinking, I don’t trust myself to know what to do as a mom?.. And then immediately felt a wave of guilt or shame? In this episode, I walk you through why this thought is so common in motherhood, especially as our kids grow more independent and push back in ways that challenge us. If you’ve been feeling lost, second-guessing your instincts, or wondering what your role even is in this next phase, this episode will help you reconnect with your inner guidance. You’ll begin to see that accessing trust in this season of motherhood isn’t about having all the answers. You’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of what to do in those moments when you feel unsure. The result? More peace in your relationships, more confidence in your decisions, and a greater sense of control over how you show up...no matter how your big kid responds. 💡 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.

The Empty Nest Straddle—3 Truths About Living Between Holding On and Letting Go When Parenting Teens and Adult Kids | Ep. 247 25.04.2026 22min

If you’ve ever felt caught between holding on and letting go as your kids grow up, this episode will feel I'm talking directly to you: the mom navigating the messy, emotional middle of the raising and launching big kids. Where you’re still needed… but no longer in control. I know how confusing this stage of motherhood can feel. One moment you’re deeply involved in parenting teens, and the next you’re questioning your role, your boundaries, and even your sense of purpose. It’s easy for your mind to spiral...into overthinking, anxiety, and the pressure to “get it right.” But what if nothing has gone wrong? In this episode, I’m sharing three powerful truths that will completely shift how you experience this transition. You’ll begin to understand why letting go feels so hard, how your brain is wired to resist it, and what it really takes to let go of stress and anxiety without losing your connection to your child. If you’re ready to feel more grounded, more confident, and less consumed by worry…this conversation will meet you exactly where you are. 💡 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.

“My Big Kid Doesn't Seem To Like Me Anymore”—Thoughts Moms Parenting Teens and Adult Kids Are Ashamed They Think | Ep. 246 22.04.2026 17min

Do you ever experience painful moments with your big kid and think, “I don’t think they like me anymore." The thought brings up so much heartbreak...and even shame. You think, "How did we get here?" In this episode, I take you inside that exact experience...the overthinking after they don’t text back, the knot in your stomach when they seem fine with everyone else but distant with you, the way your mind tries to make sense of it by turning it into something personal. I will show you how we unknowingly hand over our emotional power, tie our peace to our child’s behavior, and start questioning ourselves in ways that create even more distance. Join me to consider that this isn’t about losing your relationship… it’s about finding a deeper, more grounded way to stay connected...to them, and to 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.

The Grief of Letting Go—What No One Tells You about Parenting Teens and Adult Kids | Ep. 245 18.04.2026 21min

If you’re parenting teens or standing in the empty nest, you may be feeling a heaviness you can’t quite explain. It might show up as sadness, or frustration. Maybe anxiety, or even disconnection. Whether your relationship with your big kid feels close or strained, this stage of motherhood can bring up emotions that are hard to name. In this episode, I’m talking about the grief that comes with letting go...of who your child used to be, of how your relationship once felt, and even of the version of you who knew your role so clearly. This isn’t something we often talk about in motherhood. But when we don’t understand what’s really happening beneath the surface, it can lead to even more pain and disconnection. What I want to offer you is a different perspective that helps you see this experience not as something to fix, but as something critical to the process of letting go. 💡 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.

“I Love My Kid...But Sometimes I Don't Like Them Very Much”—Thoughts Moms Parenting Teens and Adult Kids Are Ashamed They Think | Ep. 244 15.04.2026 19min

Have you ever walked away from an interaction with your big kid and thought, “I love them… but I don’t actually like them right now?” And then immediately wondered what that says about you as a mom? If you’re in the thick of parenting teens or navigating the emotions of the empty nest, this episode is going to feel like a deep exhale. Because you’re not alone...and more importantly, there’s nothing wrong with you. In this conversation, I’m getting real about those moments we don’t say out loud in motherhood. I’ll show you what’s actually happening in your mind when those thoughts come up, and how your brain is trying (in its own imperfect way) to protect you. We’ll talk about the subtle mindset patterns that keep you stuck and I’ll walk you through how to shift out of those patterns so you can respond with intention instead of reactivity. 💡 Interested in learning more about how to create peace, confidence and connection as you raise and launch your big kid? 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.

When Parenting Teens Breaks Your Heart—Letting Go when You Can’t Control the Outcome | Ep. 243 11.04.2026 21min

Have you ever had that moment where you realize… you can’t protect your child from what they’re going through? That no matter how much you love them, guide them, or worry about them...you don’t actually have control? That realization can hit hard, especially when parenting teens and even well into theempty nest. If you’ve ever felt that mix of love, fear, frustration, and heartbreak all at once, this episode is for you. Because today, I’m sharing a personal story from one of the hardest seasons I had as a mom… and the shift that helped me stop pushing my child away, stay connected, and become stronger in the process.    💡 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.