Happy Summer folks!

This is the first episode in this series that I did not cry. You’re welcome. I wanted to get super practical with this one and asked Chrystal Hurst Evans to bring her best empty nest tips for us. She shares about ways we can start training and teaching our kids to live without us. From budgeting to cooking - she explains that much of this training happens well before their senior year. It’s a mindset shift earlier that helps make us all ready for those launching years.

As a writer, speaker and gatherer, Chrystal has a massive passion for women and how to get us up and moving towards goals. She is that “you can do it” friend that will light a fire under your overwhelmed body. 

My favorite is when she shares about how to be a student of yourself. She reminds us that we each have massive skills and gifts from God and we often need our circle of friends to point those out. As moms, we often lose confidence in our skills and it can cause fear as the kids leave the home. What will I do now? Do I have what it takes to change directions or careers now that my time is more flexible? Praying this episode greatly encourages you and provides practical ways to equip you and your family for a new season.

In this episode, we chat about:  

• Drawing boundaries with adult kids
• Teaching financial responsibility 
• Learning yourself again - gifts, passions and skills
• Prioritizing prayer as you have less control 

Enjoy!

Courtney 

(00:00) Introduction and Personal Background

(03:03) Navigating the Challenges of Parenting

(05:45) Building a Business with Family

(08:50) Preparing for Empty Nesting

(11:42) The Importance of Early Independence

(14:29) Rediscovering Personal Passions

(17:24) Recognizing Transferable Skills

(19:37) The Journey of Self-Discovery

(22:51) Embracing Change in Marriage

(30:17) Faith and the Empty Nest Experience

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Courtney DeFeo

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Resources from today’s show:

Connect with Chrystal 

Join the Sister Circle

100 Days to Discovering the Gift of You - Chrystal’s latest book

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Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

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