What happens when the kids no longer need you 24/7?

In this heartfelt episode of Parenting Great Kids with Dr. Meg Meeker, we dive deep into the emotional and identity-shifting journey that many mothers face when transitioning from full-time parenting into the next chapter of their lives.

Dr. Meg sits down with Karen Johnson, a former educator, stay-at-home mom, and author of What Do I Want to Be When They Grow Up?. Together, they unpack what it means to grieve the end of hands-on motherhood while rediscovering purpose, passions, and personal identity.

Whether your children are in high school, heading off to college, or already out of the house, this episode offers compassionate, real-world advice for embracing life beyond daily parenting.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The silent identity crisis many moms face after full-time parenting
• Why it’s okay to grieve while still feeling grateful
• How guilt and shame keep women stuck—and how to break free
• The power of strong friendships and finding your tribe
• Practical steps to dream again and prioritize your own self-care
• Reframing motherhood as a journey with many chapters—not a single role

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About Karen Johnson

Karen Johnson is a former teacher turned stay-at-home mom and now the author of What Do I Want to Be When They Grow Up?. Her work encourages mothers to reflect, reset, and reignite their sense of self as they move into a new phase of motherhood

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