Small Jar Podcast

What happens when your kid is really struggling and you can't stop your mind from imagining where it might all lead? In this episode, I'm talking about the fear behind the thought, “I don't think my kid is going to be okay,” and why it can leave us feeling anxious, powerless, and desperate to fix what we can't fully control. I'll help you separate what is actually yours to do from the pressure to somehow guarantee your child's future. This episode is about finding a steadier way to show up: loving your kid, supporting them, setting boundaries when needed, and trusting yourself even when you don't know how their story will unfold.

What if the hardest part of letting go isn't just that your child is leaving... but that you genuinely love your life more when they're in it? As our kids grow up, parenting teens and moving toward the empty nest can bring a strange mix of pride, sadness, connection, and uncertainty. We want them to build lives of their own, but that doesn't mean we automatically know how to adjust when motherhood starts to look different. In this episode, I'm exploring what may actually be underneath that sense of loss. You'll learn how your mindset about closeness can shape the way you experience your relationship, why feeling less needed can leave you questioning your purpose, and how to stop overthinking what your child's independence means about your bond. Letting go doesn't require loving your child less. It's about learning how to stay connected while also building a life that feels meaningful, full, and all your own.

What happens when the child you built so much of your life around suggests you need to go find one of your own? In this episode, I explore why those words can stir up anger, embarrassment, grief, and even anxiety. I'll help you understand why letting go can feel so disorienting after years of organizing your life around motherhood. You'll learn how to get curious about what your big kid's reaction is bringing up in you, and how to explore what you want next without believing you need to prove your life has value.

What if the pressure to make every visit, vacation, or conversation meaningful is the very thing keeping you from enjoying it? As my boys have grown, I've noticed how easily I can spend our time together reading their moods, searching for reassurance, or thinking ahead to what I need to say. But when I'm focused on getting something from the moment, I'm no longer fully in it. In this episode, I'm sharing what it means to “be where your feet are”... to stop overthinking, let go of your agenda, and experience the privilege of witnessing your child become who they are. You'll learn how letting go can help you feel more connected and calm, and present, even when life with your big kid is messy and uncertain. Whether you're parenting teens or navigating the empty nest, this episode will help you stop chasing the perfect moment and start living the one you have.

How quickly does your big kid's hard day become your hard day too? You want to be the mom who listens calmly. You know you can't fix every hard thing anymore. But when your big kid is struggling, your mind starts racing, your chest tightens, and suddenly you're searching for the right words, the right solution, or some sign that everything will be okay. In this episode, I'm talking about why letting go can feel so impossible when parenting teens and navigating the empty nest years... and why it doesn't mean you're too attached or doing motherhood wrong. You'll learn how to love your child through a difficult season without absorbing all of their pain, how to stop overthinking every mood or text, and how to stay grounded even when you don't know how things will turn out.

What happens when the parenting tools that once worked no longer give you any leverage... and your teen or adult child still isn't making the choices you hoped they would? In this episode, I'm exploring why setting boundaries is not about finding the perfect consequence that will finally make your child change. It's about deciding how you want to show up when you cannot control what happens next. You'll learn how to stop tying your emotional well-being to your child's choices, recognize where you still have power, and set boundaries that protect your peace without withdrawing your love. We'll also look at why letting go can feel so frightening when your child is struggling and how to care deeply without carrying responsibility for their entire life.

What happens when helping your big kid starts to feel expected... and not in a good way? In this episode, I'm exploring the resentment that can build when we moms keeps saying yes, rearranging our lives, solving problems, and showing up…while wondering whether our big kid notices or appreciates any of it. If this sounds familiar, the real issue may not be how much you're doing, but what's driving your choices. You'll learn how to tell the difference between giving from genuine desire and giving from guilt, obligation, or the hope that your child will finally appreciate you. We'll also look at how your mindset can turn one forgotten thank-you into evidence that you've failed at motherhood. Whether you're parenting teens or navigating the empty nest years, this episode will help you stop overthinking every yes and no... and begin choosing from confidence, peace, and intention.

What if the thing exhausting you isn't only what's happening with your big kid, but the constant fight inside you against the fact that it's happening at all? Today, I'm continuing the Mindset Traps of Parenting Teens and the Empty Nest series with a focus on resisting reality... the habit of fighting what is because it isn't what you hoped, expected, or wanted. In this episode, I unpack why this reaction feels so natural for moms navigating motherhood, letting go, and a changing relationship with their child. You'll begin to recognize how resistance can keep you trapped in anxiety, power struggles, resentment, and overthinking. More importantly, I'll show you how to stop fighting reality without giving up or condoning behavior you disagree with. When you face what is, you gain the clarity to set boundaries, trust yourself, and choose how you want to respond... with greater peace, confidence, compassion, and connection.

Do you ever wonder what the difficult moments with your teen or adult kid says about the kind of mom you are? When your big kid pulls away, shuts you out, or struggles, it's so easy to believe you're somehow getting motherhood wrong. In this episode, I unpack why these thoughts feel so convincing, and why they aren't the truth. I'll help you understand the difference between feeling helpless and feeling hopeless, how your mindset can fuel anxiety and stop overthinking, and what it really means to practice letting go without caring any less. If you're navigating the empty nest years or parenting teens, this conversation will help you release unnecessary guilt, show up with more confidence, and discover a steadier way to love your child while also taking care of yourself.

When was the last time you were fully present… without your mind racing ahead to everything that could go wrong? As moms navigating parenting teens and the empty nest, our minds often convince us that worrying is the best way to protect the people we love. But what if all that anxiety isn't preparing you at all, but instead quietly stealing the moments you'll never get back? In this episode, I explore why our brains are wired to imagine the worst, why that habit keeps us stuck in fear and overthinking, and the surprising shift that creates real peace instead. Through a personal story and practical life coaching tools, I'll show you how to strengthen your mindset, trust yourself through uncertainty, and experience more joy in motherhood without needing to control what comes next. Because letting go isn't about caring less... it's about finally being present for the life that's happening right now.

Have you ever caught yourself thinking, I should be happier than this... and then wondered why you still feel disconnected from your own life? In this episode, I'm unpacking why so many moms reach a season where they no longer feel like themselves... even when, on paper, life looks just fine. During the parenting teens and empty nest years, it's easy to spend so much energy caring for everyone else that you lose sight of what you need. I'll use Maslow's hierarchy of needs to help you identify what's really missing beneath that vague feeling of "meh" and show you how to stop chasing the wrong solutions. If you've been feeling anxious, stuck, or unsure who you are beyond motherhood, this conversation will help you reconnect with yourself, stop overthinking, and begin letting go with greater peace, purpose, and confidence.

Have you ever noticed how quickly your mind fills in the blanks when you don't know what your teen or young adult is doing? In this episode, I share a very personal 3 a.m. story that revealed something surprising about my own parenting... and why having more information doesn't actually create more peace. We'll explore the hidden connection between anxiety, uncertainty, and our urge to keep checking, tracking, or seeking reassurance. If you're navigating parenting teens, an approaching empty nest, or learning the delicate balance of letting go, this conversation will help you build the self-trust that matters most. You'll walk away with a powerful mindset shift that can help you stop overthinking, ease anxiety, and experience motherhood with more confidence, connection, and peace even when you don't have all the answers.

Have you ever caught yourself waiting for your child's success to finally prove you did motherhood "right"? In this episode, I'm exploring a belief so many moms carry without even realizing it: I'll know I'm a good mom when... my teen makes better choices, my college student is thriving, or my child finally seems happy. It feels like love...but what if it's actually keeping you trapped in anxiety and overthinking every decision you've made? I'll show you why tying your worth to your child's outcomes leaves you feeling powerless, how this mindset quietly shapes your parenting, and what it looks like to separate your identity from their journey. If you're navigating parenting teens, the empty nest, or simply learning the art of letting go, this conversation will help you find more peace, confidence, and freedom in motherhood.

Have you ever caught yourself wondering whether you're worrying because something is truly wrong...or simply because you love your child so much that not knowing feels unbearable? As our kids grow into teens and young adults, motherhood asks something completely different of us. We can no longer solve every problem or protect them from every hard experience, yet our minds keep searching for certainty. In this episode, I explore why anxiety can feel so consuming during the empty nest and parenting teens years, what may actually be driving it, and how your mindset—not your child's choices—shapes your experience. If you're ready to stop overthinking, understand your anxiety with more compassion, and discover a healthier way of letting go, this conversation will help you feel calmer, more connected, and more confident as you navigate this next chapter of motherhood.

Have you ever found yourself standing outside your teen's bedroom door, wondering whether to knock or walk away? Or lying awake at night questioning whether you're helping too much, not helping enough, or somehow getting it all wrong? In this episode, I'm exploring the tension so many of us moms face as we parent teens and navigate the empty nest: knowing when to step in and when to let go. When your child seems withdrawn, unmotivated, or not quite themselves, how do you respond without letting fear make the decision for you? I'll unpack why this struggle isn't really about finding the perfect parenting strategy. It's about understanding the mindset driving your worry, self-doubt, and urge to control the outcome. I'll show you how to separate facts from fear, stop overthinking, and make decisions with greater confidence.

Do you ever feel like you're carrying the weight of everyone else's needs while your own go unseen? If you're a mom navigating parenting teens or the empty nest, resentment can become part of daily life...showing up as frustration, exhaustion, disconnection, and the feeling that no matter how much you do, it's never enough. In this episode, I'm exploring why resentment is so common in motherhood, what keeps it simmering beneath the surface, and why it can have such a powerful impact on your relationships, confidence, and emotional well-being. Letting go of resentment isn't about caring less. It's about creating more peace, freedom, and connection for yourself and the people you love.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Have you ever had the thought as a mom… it's all on me? If you're parenting teens or navigating the empty nest, you probably know exactly what that feels like. The constant pressure, the mental load, the overthinking… the sense that if you don't stay on top of everything, something important could slip through the cracks. In this episode, I unpack why this mindset feels so true, and why so many moms carry it. I talk about how love and responsibility get tangled together in motherhood, and how that can create anxiety, pressure, and even resentment. But here's what I want you to see: letting go doesn't mean caring less. It means learning how to show up in a way that feels more more intentional and sustainable. You'll walk away with a new perspective on what it really means to be a “good mom,” along with simple mindset shifts that can help you reduce anxiety, stop overthinking, and begin letting go—without losing connection to your child.

Have you ever felt like no matter what you do as a mom… it's just not enough? Like you should be more patient… more present… handling everything better, but you're never quite getting it right? Today, I'm continuing the Mindset Traps of Parenting Teens and the Empty Nest series with a focus on what I call the Should Trap. It's when your mind is constantly telling you what you "should" be doing that's different, but the result is that you stay stuck in guilt, pressure, and self-doubt, especially in this stage of raising teens and navigating the empty nest. You'll start to see where these “shoulds” come from, why they feel so true… and most importantly, how to step out of them so you can feel more confident, more at peace, and actually trust yourself again.

I know what it feels like as a mom of big kids to look back and think, "I wish I had done things differently." Especially when you start seeing who your child is becoming and wondering how your parenting shaped it. In this episode, I walk you through why that thought feels so heavy...and why it's not actually about the past at all. If you've been stuck in regret, overthinking your parenting decisions, or questioning whether you did enough (or too much), this conversation will help you understand what's really going on in your mind. I share how our desire for certainty and control in motherhood keeps us holding onto guilt, and how that impacts the way we show up with our kids today. You'll learn how to begin letting go, not of your child, but of the pressure, self-blame, and anxiety that come with this stage of motherhood.

Have you ever looked at your teen or adult child and wondered, Are they going to be okay? When our kids struggle, it's easy to believe that their choices today will define their entire future. In this episode, I'm going to help you understand why that fear shows up, how our expectations about our kids' potential create stress and tension, and how to support your big kid without feeling like you have to control their path. If you want to feel more calm, confident, and connected as your kids figure out their lives, don't miss this episode.

I know how painful it can feel when your relationship with your big kid changes and you find yourself thinking, “What my kid does is hurtful.” In this episode, I open up about a truth many moms experience but rarely say out loud...the heartbreak that can come up while parenting teens and young adults. If you've ever felt rejected, blamed, or unappreciated by your child, you're not alone. I share how easy it is for us moms to start questioning ourselves, overanalyze every parenting decision, and slip into patterns of overthinking or self-blame. This conversation is about more than difficult moments with our kids...it's about what letting go really means in this phase of motherhood. If you're navigating the emotional rollercoaster of raising teens or stepping toward the empty nest, this episode will help you reconnect with the love that's still there even when the relationship feels strained.

If you're a mom who has spent years parenting teens and putting everyone else first, you might expect that once your kids grow up and you find yourself in the empty nest, life will finally open up for you. But many moms discover that the habit of putting themselves last doesn't disappear—it simply follows us into the next stage of motherhood. In this episode, I share a realization I've been having about how easy it is to keep postponing joy, even when our kids no longer need us in the same way. I talk about the fears that make letting go of responsibility feel uncomfortable. If you're navigating a new chapter of motherhood, it might be time to start creating space for yourself again. Join me to figure out what standing in your way.

If you've ever caught yourself thinking, “I only have a few months left before my kid leaves home,” you're not alone. I remember thinking this constantly during my boys' senior years of high school. As moms raising teens and navigating the empty nest transition, it's easy to feel pressure to fix everything, teach everything, and make every moment count before our kids leave. In this episode, I explore how a scarcity mindset shows up in parenting teens...whether it's trying to repair the relationship before they go, worrying they're not ready for the world, or feeling responsible for making their final months at home perfect. I share my own story, including a moment during my son's senior year when I realized how much pressure I was putting on myself. When we shift from scarcity to an abundant mindset, letting go becomes less about loss and more about trust. If you're looking at the calendar and feeling pressure to make the most of the months before your big kid leaves home, this episode will help you breathe a little easier as you navigate the powerful, bittersweet process of letting go.

Have you ever woken up at 2am with your mind racing…convinced that the distance between you and your child means the relationship is slipping away… or that their struggle is going to define their future… or that the tension in your house is never going to get better… or that this heavy, almost empty nest feeling means the best part of your life is behind you? That spiral where your brain takes something uncertain or hard and turns it into a permanent disaster? Today, I'm continuing the Mindset Traps of Parenting Teens and the Empty Nest series with a focus on Catastrophizing. I'm going to talk about why your brain does it, how it steals your peace, and how to interrupt that worst case scenario spiral so you can approach your life and your big kid with calm confidence and self-trust…even when things are unpredictable and messy. Join me to learn how to stop falling prey to the worst case scenario spiral.

Have you ever caught yourself thinking, other moms seem closer to their kids than I am? As moms, we care deeply about our relationships with our kids. When they pull away, we can feel anxious, rejected, or even convinced we've done something wrong. And when they stay close, that can bring its own pressure and responsibility. In this episode, I unpack how both experiences—distance and closeness—can trigger the same internal struggle: learning the delicate balance between holding on and letting go. If you're parenting teens and find yourself overthinking your interactions, worrying about whether you're doing it right, or feeling the emotional weight of motherhood shifting as your kids grow more independent, this conversation will meet you exactly where you are.

Have you ever walked away from a conversation with your teen or adult kid thinking, “I need to set a boundary here.” You're tired of the disrespect. You're so done with reminding them. You want to see progress and you don't want to keep getting into the same power struggles. Here's what most moms don't realize: the problem isn't that you don't have strong enough rules. It's that you're thinking about boundaries in the wrong way. In this episode, I'm going to show you why your boundaries might not be working — and what actually does. If you're ready to stop the power struggles, calm the anxiety, and create more connection with your big kid without constantly feeling on edge… this one is for you.

Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “I don't know who I am if I'm not a mom.” When your days have revolved around motherhood for decades, letting go can feel disorienting. The quiet house leaves space not just for freedom, but for overthinking, self-doubt, and anxiety. In this episode, I explore how staying stuck in “I don't know” is actually a form of protection. Together, we unpack the fear that nothing will ever feel as meaningful as motherhood, the guilt that comes with setting boundaries around your emotional energy, and the belief that finding purpose now is somehow selfish. If you're standing on the edge of the empty nest wondering who you are becoming, this conversation will help you see that you're not lost. You just need to find a way back to yourself.

Do you have a big kid who's struggling with their mental health… and find yourself lying awake at night wondering if you're doing enough? When your child isn't okay, it doesn't just worry you, it can take over. Your thoughts. Your energy. Your sense of peace. You're researching, supporting, advocating… and still questioning yourself. In this episode, I explore how to parent a teen or adult kids through mental health struggles without losing yourself in the process. We'll talk about how fear and guilt can intermix with love, and how that can leave you exhausted. And we'll look at the question so many moms in this position face...When can you really know if you've done enough? If you're parenting a teen who is battling anxiety, depression, addiction, or other mental health challenges, this conversation will help you step into a steadier way of showing up, for your child and for yourself.

Have you ever felt tense in your own home… bracing for the sound of your teen's footsteps or the tone of their voice? As moms parenting teens, this is one of the thoughts we're often ashamed to admit: I feel like I'm walking on eggshells with my big kid. If you're parenting teens or standing at the edge of the empty nest, you might recognize that constant fear of saying the wrong thing and making it worse. In this episode, I unpack what that “eggshell” feeling really means. You'll hear a very personal story from my own journey raising my boys and how learning the difference between influence and control changed everything. I share how learning to set down what wasn't mine to carry helped me feel calmer, stop replaying every conversation in my head, and show up in a way that slowly rebuilt trust. Join me to learn how.

Do you ever feel like you know how you want to show up as a mom, and even as a woman in your own life, and still find yourself wondering why it feels so hard to actually show up that way? You know you want to be calmer and less reactive … and yet when your big kid pulls away, struggles, or no longer needs you the same way, you find yourself falling into patterns of control, self-doubt, or taking things personally. In this episode, I'm going to help you understand why this happens, and how to more consistently access that version of yourself who you really want to be. I call her Mom 2.0...not a better version of you, but the empowered version of you as a mom and a woman who already exists (even if it doesn't always feel that way). Join me to learn how to reconnect with her.

My kid was struggling... and I didn't even know it. We spend so much of motherhood trying to keep our kids safe, happy, and successful. We set boundaries. We try to stay one step ahead. And yet… sometimes we still miss something. In this episode, I share a personal story about discovering that my son had struggled years ago, and I had no idea at the time . I unpack the shame of “I should have known,” the fear that letting go means failing, and the mindset that keeps so many moms stuck in hyper-responsibility. I'll also explore the hard truth that we can guide our kids, love them, and support them...but we can't force change, happiness, or success. They have to decide. And learning to trust that process is one of the most humbling...and freeing...parts of this stage of motherhood. If you're trying to stop overthinking, set healthy boundaries, and figure out what letting go really looks like without disconnecting from your child, this episode will help you find your footing. Missing something doesn't mean you failed.It might mean you're raising a human...and you're allowed to be one too.