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.

💡 Interested in learning more about how to create peace, confidence and connection as you raise and launch your teen? Join me for my next free masterclass: https://www.thesmalljar.com/class

💪 Curious about coaching with Small Jar?  Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0

❓ Have questions or want to share your feedback? I'd love to hear from you! You can email me at [email protected].

This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers raising teens as they approach the empty nest, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.