When your child leaves for college, you don’t just pack up a car — you pack up a whole season of parenting. In this emotional and insightful episode, the Greene family opens up about what they're learning, what they’re letting go of, and how to gently refocus through change.

This week on Whinypaluza Wednesday, Rebecca Greene is joined by her husband Seth and daughter Ella for a powerful conversation on grief, growth, and mindset during college transition season. The family reflects on Max’s departure, the emotional ripple effect it’s had on everyone, and how to manage your thoughts when your heart is in a tug-of-war.

Ella shares wisdom from her “Dear Freshman” letter — reminding listeners that high school is what you make of it, and every breakdown can lead to a breakthrough. Rebecca opens up about the unhelpful advice she’s received (“healthy birds fly the nest” — please stop!) and shares what actually helps: connection, compassion, and daily mindset training.

This episode balances laughter, tears, and hard-earned insight from a family navigating a significant life transition — and showing how to stay grounded in gratitude throughout it all.

⭐️ 5 Key Takeaways:
→ Mindset matters: What you focus on will shape how you feel each day
 → Every door that closes redirects us to something better — even when it hurts
 → Our kids still need us — parenting doesn’t end, it evolves
 → Normalize the grief — it’s part of letting go and loving well
 → Stay calm when your kids talk — so they keep talking

💬 Notable Quotes:
→ “On the other side of your breakdown is your breakthrough.”
→ “What you’re feeling is normal. That reminder alone can change everything.”
→ “Parenting is just acting calm while you’re screaming inside.”
→ “This isn’t the end of parenting. It just looks different now.”
→ “If I focus on their growth, I can shift myself into excitement.”
🎧If you’re riding the emotional rollercoaster of college drop-off or helping your teen navigate new beginnings, this episode is for you. 

Listen now on your favorite podcast platform or at whinypaluza.com — and don’t miss Ella’s full “Dear Freshman” letter on the blog.  https://whinypaluza.com

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