Small Jar Podcast

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.

Have you ever felt that knot in your stomach when your big kid seems off—and you immediately start wondering what you did wrong? This reaction doesn't come from insecurity—it comes from love. Especially in this stage of motherhood, when your role feels less clear and so much feels uncertain, it's easy to make your child's experience mean something about you. Today, I'm continuing the Mindset Traps of Parenting Teens and the Empty Nest series with a focus on Personalization. Once you understand why your brain keeps pulling you into taking responsibility for things that aren't actually yours to carry—and how much that's costing you—you'll start to see a different way to stay connected to your child without carrying so much guilt, anxiety, or emotional weight. This episode will change how you think about taking things personally so that you can let go of emotional responsibility and find real peace in this stage of motherhood.

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

What if the anxiety and exhaustion you feel as a mom right now isn't a sign that you're failing—but a sign that you're carrying more than you were ever meant to? If you're parenting teens or young adults and stuck in that constant mental loop of when to step in, when to back off, and whether you're somehow getting this stage wrong, this episode is for you. In this conversation, I unpack why control feels so necessary for us moms and why it's not a character flaw or a parenting mistake. I explain how control often becomes a coping strategy for fear, responsibility, and uncertainty, and why it stops working as our kids grow and need to figure life out on their own. You'll hear a compassionate reframe of letting go—one that doesn't mean giving up, checking out, or caring less. I walk through tangible, real-life examples of what letting go looks like in everyday moments, from overthinking conversations to checking for reassurance, and how this shift creates more peace for you and more independence for your child. If you're a mom who wants to feel calmer, more confident, and more grounded while parenting teens or young adults, this episode will help you see control, letting go, and yourself in a whole new way.

Have you ever wondered if your teen or adult kid even cares how you feel? In this episode, I'm sharing a deeply personal story from my own journey of parenting teens. I take you with me on a long, lonely overnight drive home from Chicago with my teenage son. At the time, it looked exactly like what so many moms fear: that all the love, effort, and sacrifice didn't matter. But years later, that same moment resurfaced in a way I never could have predicted. In this episode, I explore why this stage of parenting teens can feel so heartbreaking, why it's so easy for moms to personalize our kids' withdrawal, and how our brains naturally fill in the gaps with painful stories about our worth and our role. I unpack what's really happening beneath the surface — emotionally and developmentally — and why a lack of appreciation in the moment doesn't mean your love isn't landing. If you're navigating the empty nest transition, struggling with letting go, or feeling dismissed and invisible in your relationship with your teen or young adult, this conversation will help you feel less alone. You'll walk away with a new lens for understanding your child's behavior and an invitation to stay open to connection without chasing it or losing yourself in the process.

If you've ever found yourself holding back advice with your teen or big kid—wondering whether to say something or let it go—this episode is for you. Because parenting teens and young adults puts us in a really uncomfortable place. We still have wisdom to share… but far less influence over their choices. And suddenly, advice that used to land now feels like it creates distance and power struggles. In this episode, I'm going to explore the difference between advice, expectations, and boundaries. You'll learn how to decide when to speak up, when to step back, and how to show up in a way that protects both your peace and your relationship with your child. Join me to stop second-guessing yourself and start feeling more grounded and confident in how you show up with your teen or big kid.

I don't feel close to my kid anymore. If you've ever had that thought while parenting teens or navigating the empty nest, this episode is for you. I'm talking honestly about what it feels like when the relationship with your big kid changes—when they share less, pull away, or seem like they don't need you in the same way they used to. This isn't a sign you're failing. It's a painful and very human part of letting go. In this episode, I explore why this kind of distance hurts so deeply, how disappointment turns into fear, and why we often try to fix the relationship by asking our kids to show up differently. What I've learned—through my own experience and my work with moms—is that demanding connection isn't what restores it. Learning how to sit with our own discomfort, trust the bond we've built, and love without pressure is what changes everything. This episode is an invitation to rethink what letting go really means in the parenting teens and empty nest years—and how staying steady inside yourself is often the most powerful way to stay connected.

Have you ever noticed how much mental energy you spend wondering if you're doing this parenting thing "right"? Maybe you replay conversations in your head, second-guess a boundary you set, or feel that pressure to do just a little more…just in case. That pressure doesn't come from being overly critical or demanding — it comes from caring deeply. And from the belief that if you can just find the right way to handle things, you'll finally be able to relax. Today, I'm continuing the Mindset Traps of Parenting Teens and the Empty Nest series with a focus on perfectionism. In this episode, we're going to talk about how the search for the “right” way fuels anxiety, erodes self-trust, and keeps you carrying more than you need to. And we'll explore what it actually looks like to decide what's enough — without waiting for your kid or your life to be different first. This episode will change how you think about effort, responsibility, and what it really means to let go in this stage of motherhood.

Have you ever caught yourself thinking, I'm the only one who cares — and felt both justified and completely exhausted by it? I hear this from so many moms who are parenting teens or navigating the early empty nest years. You care so much about your kids' safety, happiness, and future, yet it often feels like you're the only one paying attention, thinking ahead, or worrying about the consequences. In this episode, I explore how this belief often turns into they don't care, so I have to — and how that mindset keeps us stuck in anxiety, frustration, and over-responsibility. If you're struggling with parenting teens, feeling on edge as your role shifts, or wondering how to practice letting go without giving up, this episode will help you see what's really driving your reactions — and how to begin showing up in a way that supports your kids and yourself.

Change is uncomfortable. And if you're parenting a teen or standing on the edge of the empty nest, you may be feeling that discomfort more than ever. In this episode, I'm talking about why change feels so hard—even when it's the change we want—why so many of us try to avoid that discomfort by staying busy, fixing, or just avoiding our pain, and what it actually looks like to sit with that discomfort in a way that brings peace instead of overwhelm. If this season of motherhood feels harder than you expected—if you're feeling anxious, uncertain, or unsure how to let go—join me as I talk about what's really happening underneath that discomfort, and how to face change in a new way.

“I don't know what I want anymore.” If you're parenting teens, launching a child into adulthood, or standing on the edge of the empty nest, this thought might feel painfully familiar. It begins to show up in the space that opens as your kids need you less—and event more when the structure of motherhood shifts and you're left wondering what's next for you. In this episode, I'm talking about why so many moms feel disoriented during this stage of motherhood—and why it's not because you've lost yourself or failed to plan ahead. I share a personal story from when my boys were still young, and how the same feeling I experienced then shows up again and again as we move through parenting teens, letting go, and eventually facing the empty nest. What if the problem isn't that you don't know what you want… but that you've spent years being needed? In this episode, I unpack the hidden mindset that keeps so many moms stuck waiting—waiting for the kids to be settled, for the anxiety to ease, for life to feel calm enough to finally focus on themselves. I talk about how this shows up differently when your kids are still at home versus when they're grown, and why even after they leave, your mind can stay on duty long after your hands are no longer needed. If you've ever told yourself you should be enjoying this phase more.... If you've felt restless, resentful, or sad, even though your life looks fine from the outside…If the idea of “finding your purpose” feels overwhelming or out of reach…This episode will help you see yourself with more compassion and clarity.

Have you ever looked at your child's life and wondered, what if they never figure it out? I hear moms use the phrase “my kid is failing to launch” all the time, and I know how much fear is in those words. Because this isn't really about timelines or independence—it's about the anxiety that creeps in when your kid seems stuck, and how quickly that fear starts to feel personal. And even if your child is still in college, still at home in high school, or you're deep in the season of parenting teens, this worry can already be there. In this episode, I unpack what we really mean when we say a kid is “failing to launch” and why the usual advice about boundaries often leaves moms feeling more frustrated. I talk about the invisible expectations we carry and why trying to manage your child's motivation only creates more anxiety and resentment. Most importantly, I explore what letting go actually looks like—not letting go of your kid, but letting go of the belief that you should be able to control their timeline. If you're a mom raising teens, launching young adults, or standing on the edge of the empty nest wondering if you did enough, this episode will help you come back to what is in your control. You'll learn how to set boundaries that protect your peace, stop carrying responsibility that was never yours, and show up with more calm and confidence—even when the future feels uncertain.

I used to think this feeling would go away with time. That eventually I'd be used to the goodbyes, the quiet, the shifting rhythm of motherhood. But whether your child is heading off to college, spending more time behind a closed bedroom door, or simply growing into their own independence, you can feel the ache that comes with realizing something is changing. In this episode, I talk about that feeling when your kids don't need you in the same way, when they pull away just a little more, when the house feels different even though everyone still lives there. These moments might look different on the outside, but emotionally, they often stir the same grief and confusion. What makes it harder isn't the sadness itself—it's the judgment we place on it. The belief that because we've done this before, or because our kids haven't technically “left” yet, we shouldn't feel this way. But letting go doesn't start at college drop-off. It starts the first time you realize your child is becoming someone you can't fully follow anymore. Whether your kids are young, teens, or grown, this episode invites you to stop judging your emotions and start understanding them—so this season of motherhood doesn't feel like something you just have to endure, but something you get to navigate with intention and self-trust.

Have you ever felt that panic that if you don't stay on top of things with your big kid, that something might go terribly wrong? You feel that urge to say the right thing, to remind them one more time, or to give them advice they didn't ask for. This urge doesn't come from wanting to control your kid. It comes from love, especially when life becomes so uncertain as your kids grow up. Today, I'm continuing the Mindset Trap series with a focus on the illusion of control. Once you understand why your brain keeps pulling you into fixing and managing, and how much that's actually costing you, you'll see a different way to support your kid without carrying so much anxiety. This episode is going to change how you think about helping, letting go, and finding real peace in this stage of motherhood. Let's dive in.

If you find yourself thinking, “Nothing changed this year,” I hear you. And I've been there. So many of us moms reach the end of the year still feeling anxious, triggered, or unsure, and assume that means we haven't grown. In this episode, I talk about why that thought feels so true—and why it often misses what really matters. As our kids grow, the challenges don't go away; they change. Raising and launching teens requires more trust, more restraint, and a deeper tolerance for uncertainty. And yet, we rarely recognize our ability to meet those changes as growth. In this episode, I explore what it really means to let go—not perfectly, but year after year, in ways that shape us even when we don't feel different. If you're navigating the emotional complexity of parenting big kids or stepping into the empty nest, this episode will help you see the quiet ways you've been evolving all along.

Have you ever stopped to recognize how much strength it's taken to be the mom you are today? If you're parenting teens or standing on the edge of the empty nest, this season of motherhood can feel like a constant balancing act between holding on and letting go—of your kids, your role, and the version of yourself you used to be. In this episode, I'm not talking about resolutions or fixing yourself. I'm inviting you to pause and recognize the quiet, powerful growth that's already happened as you've navigated raising and preparing to launch your kids. I share my own journey of learning to release self-judgment, understand why we cope the way we do, and give myself credit for showing up—even when things felt messy or hard. If you've ever said to yourself, “I need to be better in the new year,” this episode will help you reconnect with your strength, honor your past selves, and step into this next chapter with more compassion, confidence, and awe.

I'm already disappointed by the holidays.If you've ever had that thought—even before the holiday is over—this episode is for you. The holidays are supposed to feel joyful and connected, and yet, for so many moms of teens and adult kids, this season brings a quiet mix of love, overwhelm, frustration, and disappointment that no one really talks about. You can adore your family and still feel exhausted by the mess, the noise, the disengagement, or the feeling that the holidays don't look the way they used to. In this episode, I talk honestly about why the holidays can feel so hard, and why that discomfort doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong. I explore how we often cope by working harder and taking responsibility for everyone else's emotions, all in an effort to finally feel at peace. And why that approach, as understandable as it is, leaves us feeling even more disappointed. If you're feeling worn down by the pressure to make the holidays magical, this episode will help you let go and actually find moments of peace in your life without needing to change anything first.

As the holidays approach, parenting teens and adult kids can bring up for us a wish for more ease, more connection, and a way to let go without feeling like you're losing yourself or your relationship with your kids. In this episode, I share three powerful gifts you can give yourself that will change how you experience this stage of motherhood. We'll explore what it means to stop taking responsibility for other people's emotions, how to stay connected to your teen without conditions or expectations, and why treating yourself with compassion is essential as you navigate the emotional shifts of letting go. If you've been feeling drained, stuck, or unsure how to show up as your role as a mom evolves, this conversation will help you approach parenting teens — and the empty nest ahead — with more intention and emotional freedom. These simple but meaningful shifts can transform not just the holiday season, but the way this next chapter of motherhood feels.

I'm worried my teen will ruin the holiday for me. Even saying that out loud feels uncomfortable. But if you're parenting teens or adult kids, you've probably had some version of this thought at one point or another. The holidays can magnify distance, tension, and unmet expectations, leaving us bracing for moods instead of enjoying the moments we hoped would feel meaningful. In this episode, I explore what's really underneath that fear. It's not about your teen being difficult — it's about how easily we tie our sense of connection and peace to how our kids show up. I'll explore the mindset trap of emotional outsourcing, why connection starts to feel conditional in this phase of motherhood, and how letting go can feel both necessary and terrifying at the same time. Join me to learn how to create connection without waiting for your teen to meet you halfway, and how to let go of the belief that your child gets to decide whether the holidays — or your relationship — feel good.

What if the reason you feel so anxious, frustrated, or exhausted isn't because your teen is struggling—but because you're fighting reality every single day? In this episode, I'm breaking down what radical acceptance actually means when you're parenting teens or moving through the empty nest. Not acceptance as giving up. Not acceptance as lowering your expectations. But acceptance as a skill that allows you to stop wasting energy on what you can't control and start reclaiming your power in how you show up. I walk you through four practical steps that help you move out of emotional reactivity and into steadiness—so you can acknowledge what's happening, tell the truth about how you feel, work through the pain instead of resisting it, and then decide, with intention, who you want to be in the middle of a hard moment. If you're tired of feeling like your peace depends on your teen's choices or this season being over, this episode will show you how to let go without losing yourself—and how to feel grounded and confident even when parenting gets hard or the empty nest feels heavy.

As moms, we hit so many moments where our big kids put themselves out there. We find ourselves holding our breath, hoping it all works out...and also really worried about what will happen if it doesn't. In this episode, I share three powerful lessons I learned during the college process with my sons, and how those lessons apply far beyond college admissions—to job interviews, tryouts, auditions, internships, and every season where we're invited to practice letting go. You'll learn how to deal with the helplessness of not being able to influence the outcome, and how to support your big kid and even strengthen your connection in the moments that matter most. The lessons you'll takeaway will give you confidence to navigate all of the twists and turns of the road ahead.

Have you ever thought, “I'm not proud of my teen?” It feels terrible, doesn't it? And yet, so often as mom parenting teens and big kids, we have real fears about who our child is becoming and what their choices mean for their future. In this episode, I'm sharing the many different situations moms share with me — the academic struggles, the social worries, the attitude shifts, the choices that make you question whether your child is on the right path. And in this conversation, I'm going to explain why we turn our kids' behavior into a measure of our own success. If you're tired of feeling stressed about your kid's future, or confused about what letting go is supposed to look like, this episode will help you understand what's happening beneath the surface and what's actually within your control.

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

Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “I love the holidays… and I kind of hate them?” If you're parenting teens or an empty nester, this tension is so normal — we crave connection and magic, but we're overloaded with pressure and the emotional labor we've been conditioned to carry. In this episode, I'm breaking down why we feel responsible for everyone's happiness, why that creates resentment and anxiety, and how shifting your mindset from managing others' emotions to owning your own can completely change your experience. You'll hear how our society trains moms to outsource our emotional peace to how everyone else behaves — and why that leaves us exhausted, especially during the holidays. And I'll show you a simpler, more grounded way to show up as the mom and woman you want to be, with healthier boundaries, less guilt, and more authentic connection. If you're ready to stop carrying pressure that was never yours, feel more calm and purposeful, and create a holiday season that feels human instead of perfect, this episode is for you. Tune in, my friend. You have more power than you think.

As a mom, do you ever feel caught between wishing things were easier and worrying they may never change? So many of us live in the “it'll be better when…” mindset — with our teens, our young adults, our relationships, even with ourselves. But that constant battle with reality only creates more exhaustion and anxiety. In this episode, I'm sharing the key to finding peace even when life feels messy or uncertain. You'll learn how to see clearly where you do have power, how to stop wasting emotional energy on what you can't control, and how to create calm, confidence, and clarity right where you are — before anything around you changes. My friend, radical acceptance is the key to stop fighting reality and start embracing your power. And this episode is going to show you exactly how to begin.

Have you ever had that moment where you catch yourself thinking, “My kid doesn't appreciate anything I do,” and immediately feel a little sick about it? In this episode, I'm talking honestly about why that lack of appreciation feels so painful. Not because we want praise or a gold star, but because we're doing so much behind the scenes—planning, worrying, cooking, checking in, rearranging our own lives—and it feels like none of it even matters to our big kid. And when it feels like they don't notice, we start to wonder if we've done something wrong. Maybe we made it too easy. Maybe we gave too much. Maybe we should've handled things differently when they were little. It's amazing how fast our brain can turn one small moment into a whole story about what kind of mom we are. If you've ever felt worn down, or questioned yourself, or wondered how on earth you ended up carrying so much, you're not alone. Listen in to feel seen, more at peace, and even more appreciated...without needing your big kid to change first.

Have you ever noticed how different parenting teens can feel depending on how much they share with you? Some days, your teen tells you everything — every thought, worry, and drama — and it's a lot! Other times, you get silence, and that brings up a whole different kind of discomfort. In this episode, I'm talking about both sides — the moms who long for more conversation and the ones who sometimes wish for a little less. Because no matter where you fall, this stage of motherhood invites us to rethink what connection, trust, and letting go really mean as we move toward the empty nest. I'll share stories and mindset shifts that can help you feel more grounded and confident — whether your teen overshares or keeps it all inside. We'll talk about how to stop overthinking their moods, reduce anxiety around what you can't control, and set healthy boundaries that let you love and support them without losing yourself. If you're a mom navigating this in-between season — parenting teens, preparing for the empty nest, and learning how to find peace and purpose in the process — this conversation is for you.

Have you ever had your teen look at you like you're the problem? It feels like a gut punch, specially when you know in your heart you've been doing everything you can to love and support your big kid. In this episode, I share a story from my own life about what it feels like when your big kid blames you and how to move through that pain without losing yourself in it. We'll talk about why this stage of parenting feels so hard, how to stop taking their reactions so personally, and how to find peace even when your teen doesn't see your good intentions. If you've been feeling anxious, walking on eggshells, or wondering if you've somehow failed, this conversation will help you exhale. You'll see that what feels like rejection might actually be your teen's way of growing — and your invitation to grow, too.

Have you ever noticed how motherhood can make everything feel high stakes? One minute you're calm and connected to your teen, and the next, you're spiraling into worry, certain that everything is going south. That's the All or Nothing Trap, and if you've ever found yourself stuck there, you're not alone. As moms of teens and almost empty nesters, we're navigating a season of constant change — where letting go can feel like losing control. And it's no wonder our minds cling to extremes: if our kids are thriving, we feel okay… but if they're struggling, we immediately assume we've failed. In this episode, I unpack why your brain defaults to this kind of thinking — and how it quietly fuels anxiety, perfectionism, and self-doubt. You'll learn how to see these patterns for what they really are — your brain's instinct to protect you — and how to gently retrain your mind to find peace in the gray. I'll share stories from my own life and from moms I coach, showing how all-or-nothing thinking can show up as we raise and launch our big kids. If you're ready to let go of anxiety and feel grounded no matter what's happening around you, this episode will help you find your footing.

Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “I don't even like the person I've become”? It's one of those thoughts that hits you right in the gut. You love your kids. You're doing your best to hold it all together. And yet, somewhere in the process of raising and launching your big kid, you don't quite recognize yourself anymore. In this episode, I'm diving into what's really underneath that thought. Because it's not a sign that you're failing — it's a sign that you're hurting. You'll learn how your brain uses self-judgment as a way to feel in control, and why that mindset only creates more guilt, anxiety, and overthinking. Together, we'll explore how compassion and awareness can help you step off that hamster wheel — so you can stop reacting from fear and start responding from calm. You'll see how to reconnect with the woman underneath the stress, the mom who still wants peace, confidence, and purpose in this next season of motherhood. If you've been feeling disconnected or overwhelmed — wondering where your spark went — this episode is your reminder: you haven't lost her. She's still there. Let's help you find her again.

Parenting teens through the college process can stir up a mix of pride, fear, and anxiety that no one really prepares us for. Whether you're deep in the application season or already adjusting to the empty nest, this stage of motherhood is full of moments that test our ability to let go. In this episode, I'm sharing what I wish I'd known before my boys went through the college process—the truths that helped me stop overthinking, ease my anxiety, and show up as the calm, confident mom I wanted to be. You'll hear the lessons that changed everything for me: why college admissions are less about your child's worth and more about perspective, how struggle is the foundation of growth, and what it really looks like to support your teen without losing yourself in the process. These insights aren't just for moms in the thick of applications—they're for anyone learning how to trust their child's journey while staying grounded in their own. Because the mindset that helps us let go is the same one that helps us reconnect—with our kids, and with ourselves.

Ever feel like your teen just doesn't care about the boundaries you've set? You've tried being calm, clear, consistent — and still, nothing changes. You end up frustrated, questioning your parenting, and wondering if you'll ever stop overthinking this stage of motherhood. In this episode of The Almost Empty Nest Podcast, I share what's really going on beneath the thought, “My kid doesn't respect my boundaries.” You'll see how easy it is to fall into the illusion of control — believing that your peace depends on your child's behavior — and how to finally let go of that exhausting pattern. Together, we'll redefine what setting boundaries actually means. You'll learn how to stop tying your emotional well-being to your teen's choices and start focusing on the one thing that's always within your control: how you show up. This simple mindset shift can help you reduce anxiety, rebuild confidence, and parent from calm instead of chaos. If you're a mom navigating the space between parenting teens and the empty nest, this episode will remind you that letting go doesn't mean giving up — it means stepping into your power. You'll see how life coaching tools and a new perspective can help you find peace, connection, and purpose in this next chapter of motherhood.

Have you ever noticed how motherhood can feel like one long emotional rollercoaster? One moment you feel calm and connected, and the next you're anxious, frustrated, or doubting yourself. That constant up-and-down isn't just part of the job — it's one of the hidden mindset traps that keeps so many moms stuck in worry and self-doubt as their kids grow up. In this episode, I'm relaunching my Mindset Traps of Parenting Teens and the Empty Nest series — starting with the one that drives them all: emotional reasoning. It's the habit of believing that how you feel is evidence of what's true — that anxiety means something's wrong, or guilt means you've failed. But once you understand this trap, you can start to see your emotions differently — as signals, not stop signs. You can stop reacting to every emotional surge and start responding with calm, clarity, and confidence. Dive into this series to learn how to step off the emotional rollercoaster and take your peace back — no matter what's happening with your teen or in your empty nest.

Have you ever walked into your own home and felt invisible? As a mom of teens in the thick of raising teens and adult kids, that feeling can hurt. In this episode, I open up about how easy it is for us moms to slip into the background of our own lives, constantly giving and doing for everyone else while quietly wondering if anyone even sees us. You've been there—the clean laundry left at the foot of the stairs, the untouched dinner dishes, the exhaustion of feeling like the glue holding everything together. I'm going to explore why so many of us let this happen and how societal conditioning and our own loving instincts can trap us in cycles of overdoing, resentment, and guilt. Through this conversation, I'll help you see that the feeling of invisibility isn't really about your family not seeing you—it's about how somewhere along the way, you stopped seeing yourself. You'll learn how letting go of guilt and overthinking opens the door to reconnecting with your own needs, setting boundaries with love, and rediscovering purpose beyond motherhood. This episode is an invitation to shift your mindset—to stop searching for validation in everyone else's reactions and start finding your worth within.

Have you ever noticed how motherhood feels like one long lesson in letting go — but no one ever tells you how to do it? One moment you're deep in the chaos of parenting teens, and the next, you're staring at an empty nest, wondering how to stop worrying and start feeling at peace again. In this episode, I'm sharing a fresh take on mindset traps — those sneaky thought patterns that keep us moms stuck in anxiety, guilt, and overthinking, especially as our kids grow up and need us differently. You'll learn how your mindset can either keep you in constant reaction mode or help you create calm, connection, and confidence, even when life feels uncertain. I'll explain why your brain is wired to crave comfort and control (and how that makes letting go so uncomfortable), and I'll show you how to start working with your mind instead of against it. If you've been feeling drained by the push and pull between wanting to help and needing to step back, this conversation will help you set boundaries with love, reduce anxiety, and begin finding purpose again — not through your kids, but within yourself. Motherhood in this season isn't just about letting go of your kids. It's about letting go of everything in your mind that's holding you back from peace, joy, and freedom in your next chapter. Join me to find out how!

Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “I'm codependent on my kids”—and then immediately felt ashamed for it? You're not alone. So many moms in the empty nest or parenting teens phase feel that tug between love and letting go. For years, we've been wired to sense our kids' needs—to comfort, fix, and protect. That instinct doesn't just disappear when they grow up. But sometimes our care turns into worry, overthinking, or trying to manage what we can't control. Not because we're needy, but because we're afraid—afraid they'll suffer, or that we'll lose our connection or sense of purpose if they don't need us the same way anymore. In this episode I'll share why this reaction makes perfect sense and what science says about how motherhood literally wires us to feel our kids' emotions as if they're our own. Join me to challenge this concept of codependency and understand what's really at the root of your emotional ups and downs as a mom.

Do you every feel like parenting your big kid without the frustration and anxiety is too good to be true? You try to be patient. You want to set boundaries and have productive conversations. But then somehow you find yourself falling back into the same patterns of reacting in ways you regret — or just feeling stuck in anger and worry. It can feel like the only way to feel better is to get your teen to change. But what I've learned is that peace doesn't come from fixing your teen, your circumstances, or even yourself. It comes from understanding what's really happening in your mind. In this episode, I share why parenting teens can feel so painful — and what's actually going on when you keep getting stuck in patterns that don't reflect the mom you want to be. You'll learn how letting go of judgment and getting curious about your emotions opens the door to real change. Because when you start shifting your mindset, you stop giving your power away. You learn how to set boundaries from calm instead of chaos, how to support your teen without losing yourself. It's not about giving up. It's about letting go — of control, of guilt, of the belief that peace is out of reach. If you've ever thought, “That sounds too good to be true,” this episode is for you.

Have you ever tried to have a real conversation with your husband, only to feel like he completely shuts you down? You start with the best intentions — maybe you're talking about your teen, or something that's been weighing on you — and before you know it, he's irritated, you're frustrated, and you both end up feeling like you're speaking different languages. If you're a mom navigating parenting teens and the transition to the empty nest, you already know how emotional this stage of motherhood can be. And when your marriage feels disconnected on top of that, it can feel lonely and confusing. You might start to wonder if you're the problem, or if you'll ever get back to the kind of relationship you want. In this episode of The Almost Empty Nest Podcast, I talk about what's really going on beneath the thought, “My husband shuts me down.” We'll look at how our mindset shapes the way we experience communication in our marriages — and how this same awareness can help us in every relationship, from our partners to our kids. You'll learn why waiting for your partner to change keeps you stuck, and how to start showing up with more intention, even when communication feels hard. You don't have to wait for anyone else to change for you to feel better. You can take back your power and create the connection and peace you've been longing for.

Have you ever looked around your life and thought: Is this it? Am I really just a mom? As our kids grow into teens—or leave the nest altogether—it's easy to feel both grateful and yet strangely empty. I've been there too. For years, I measured my worth through my kids' needs, my to-do list, or the approval of others. But underneath it all, I was constantly asking myself, Am I enough? In this episode, I open up about my own journey through motherhood—those moments of folding laundry while everyone else was out chasing their dreams, and the dissatisfaction, and even resentment, that crept in when the house got quiet. I'll share how this struggle shows up for so many moms of teens and empty nesters: the endless busyness, the invisible labor, the resentment, the guilt, and the anxiety. I also talk about the ways we chase “enoughness”—and why it never lasts. What if you could stop chasing “enough”? Your worth isn't tied to grades, chores, or anyone else's approval—it's already within you. In this episode, I'll show you how to shift your mindset so you can let go of doubt and rediscover yourself beyond motherhood.

Do you ever miss being needed by your big kid? When I think about the empty nest, and even those times when my boys were still at home, what surprises me most isn't just the quiet house or the extra time on my hands. It's how much I miss being needed. Parenting teens and young adults can feel like a constant practice of letting go — and sometimes it hurts more than we expect. If you're a mom in this season, you probably know the ache I'm talking about. The texts that go unanswered, the eye rolls when you offer advice, the long weekends where you wait around “just in case” they need you. It's easy to slip into overthinking, questioning yourself, and wondering if your value as a mom is fading right along with their dependence on you. In this episode, I share a story about my son coming home from college, and how in one moment I felt the rush of being needed again, only to be reminded days later of the distance and independence that comes with this stage. Through that story, we'll look at the deeper layers — why missing being needed stirs up grief, shame, and fear, and how mindset traps like all-or-nothing thinking and personalization can make it even harder. If you've been missing the days when being needed was constant and obvious, this conversation is for you. Because even when our kids don't show it, the bond is still there. And learning to trust that bond is what makes space for you to step into your next chapter with clarity and confidence.

If you've ever caught yourself staring at your teen glued to their phone—ignoring you, zoning out, lost in a scroll—and thought, “This can't be good,” this episode is for you. Today I'm digging into what's really going on with cell phones and screentime—why it feels so hard to set boundaries, and what's behind the resistance (theirs and ours). I'll share what I learned from Jonathan Haidt's The Anxious Generation, including some truly alarming data that had me feeling a wave of guilt—but also helped me reframe what our role actually is as parents of teens in this digital world. We can't turn back the clock. And we can't control our teens. But we can absolutely decide how we want to show up. Setting boundaries doesn't have to be about power struggles and punishment—it can be about clarity, ownership, and connection. And if you're ready to stop second-guessing your boundaries—or feeling like you're failing at holding them—I'd love to invite you to my next free masterclass on setting boundaries. I'll walk you through the exact process I use with clients to create boundaries you can actually hold, without the constant fights.

Have you ever had the thought, “My teen walks all over me”… and then instantly felt ashamed for even thinking it? It's actually more like: If my own kid can treat me this way, what does that say about me? You're not just frustrated — you feel hurt, resentful, and afraid that maybe you've lost the connection, influence and respect you once had with your big kid. In this episode, I dig into why this thought is so common for moms of teens. I'll show you the surprising reason why the story you attach to your teen's behavior matters more than the behavior itself — and how shifting this perspective can help you reclaim your calm, confidence, and power without waiting for your teen to change first. Imagine showing up to these challenging moments with a sense of peace, knowing that your value as a mom doesn't depend on whether your teen listens, obeys, or even acknowledges your existence that day. That power is available to you right now, and in this episode I'll walk you through how to start stepping into it. So tune in, my friend — and if this resonates, I'd love for you to join me in my upcoming masterclass Setting Boundaries with Your Teen and Yourself. We'll go deeper into what real boundaries are (hint: not just rules your teen ignores) and how to set them in a way that feels clear, calm, and effective

Have you ever felt frustrated with your teen? (Or maybe I should be saying, who hasn't?!) As moms of teens and almost empty nesters, we naturally carry expectations about how our kids should act — and most of the time, those expectations are perfectly reasonable. We want them to show appreciation, to put in effort, to connect with us. But the reality is, teens don't always meet those expectations. And when that happens, we're left feeling frustrated, anxious, and even resentful. In this episode, I'm talking about what I call “invisible contracts.” These aren't mistakes you're making as a mom — they're the hidden expectations that we all carry, often without realizing it, that shape how we experience motherhood at this stage. You'll learn how to recognize them, why they feel so painful when they're not met, and how to shift your mindset so you can reduce anxiety, stop overthinking, and create more peace and connection with your teen. If you're a mom who's ready to feel more connected, confident, and at peace — and to find purpose beyond motherhood as you step into the empty nest years — this episode will show you what's possible.

“I should be grateful.” As moms, we often feel this pressure to always be thankful. It's almost like we use gratitude as a way to push away other feelings. It's as if admitting to sadness, worry, or even loneliness makes us ungrateful, when really those emotions are just part of the truth of our experience. The minute we add this pressure, that “I shouldn't feel this way,” we layer guilt and shame on top of what's already hard. In this episode, I share how this “should trap” shows up for us as moms raising teens and as we navigate the empty nest. Whether you're letting go as your kids grow, navigating motherhood in midlife, or striving to find purpose in this next chapter, it's easy to feel like you're doing life wrong when gratitude doesn't erase your harder emotions. What if it's possible to make space for both gratitude and the full range of human emotions? Because when you let go of the judgment, you open the door to more peace, contentment, and fulfillment in your life.

What if letting go in motherhood was never meant to feel easy — but it was always meant to grow you? As moms, whether we're parenting teens or entering the empty nest, we're asked to let go again and again. And it doesn't just stir up sadness. It can trigger anxiety, overwhelm, and the constant urge to overthink. We wonder if we're doing it right, if our kids will be okay, and what it means for us when they don't need us in the same way anymore. In this episode, I share my own journey of navigating the empty nest and the flood of emotions that come with it. You'll learn how to stop resisting reality, reduce anxiety, and see your emotions not as proof something is wrong, but as signals that can guide you toward peace. Together, we'll explore how mindset shifts can help you stop overthinking, set boundaries that honor both you and your kids, and begin finding purpose in this next chapter of motherhood. By the end, you'll see that even when life feels heavy, you're not broken — you're simply being invited to grow. And you always have the power to choose how you want to show up, not just for your kids, but for yourself.

The house is so quiet. If you've ever had that thought — and then immediately felt sadness, disorientation, or even shame — you're not alone. In this episode, I share what it felt like to walk back into my home after dropping off my youngest son at college. The quiet was deafening. But what I realized is that it wasn't just the absence of sound — it was the story I was telling myself about what that quiet meant. I talk with so many moms parenting teens or navigating the early empty nest who are surprised by how disorienting this chapter feels. Even when we think we're ready — even when the teen years were hard — the quiet that follows doesn't always bring peace. Instead, it stirs up grief, fear, and deep questions about identity and purpose. In this episode, I explore why that is and how our mindset, left unchecked, can quietly fill the silence with self-doubt and regret. You don't have to rush to fill the quiet with busyness. And you don't have to figure out your entire future today. But you do have the power to change what you make the quiet mean. And when you do that — when you let go, not just of your kids, but of the outdated stories about what makes you valuable — that's when your next chapter really begins.

Do you ever feel like your emotions rise and fall with your teen's? If they're stressed, you're stressed. If they're in a bad mood, suddenly you are too. It can feel like parenting teens or navigating the empty nest is one long emotional rollercoaster — and you're just hanging on for the ride. In this episode of the Almost Empty Nest Podcast, I'm shining a light on a mindset trap I call emotional outsourcing. This is when moms hand over their peace, confidence, and connection to their kids' moods, choices, or behavior. And the truth is, we've all done it. As our kids grow, letting go can feel almost impossible — but it's also where we find freedom. You'll hear why this happens, how it shows up in everyday motherhood, and what it looks like to do things differently. I'll talk about how emotional outsourcing impacts our ability to feel connected, to find purpose in this stage of life, to trust our decisions with confidence, and most of all — to feel at peace. If you've been stuck waiting for your teen's behavior to give you permission to feel okay, this episode is for you. You'll walk away with a clearer understanding of this mindset trap and what it takes to stop outsourcing your emotions — so you can reduce anxiety, set healthy boundaries, and start creating the confidence, purpose, and peace you want in this next chapter of motherhood. Tune in, my friend, and let's reframe what letting go really means.