As moms of teens, it’s so easy to fall into the habit of labeling—our kids, our partners, even ourselves. We call them lazy, dramatic, gifted, or rebellious. We call ourselves anxious, stuck, impatient, or unmotivated. But these labels—while they might feel like shortcuts—can quietly shape the way we parent, how we connect, and even how we define our identity in this season of motherhood.

In this episode, I explore the mindset trap of labeling, why our brains do it, and how it often backfires by fueling guilt, overthinking, anxiety, and disconnection. You’ll learn why even seemingly harmless labels can create emotional distance, especially during the sensitive and identity-forming teen years. We’ll also talk about how to practice emotional regulation, shift your mindset, and start letting go of the rigid stories you’ve been telling about yourself and your child. Because behind every label is a human who deserves to be seen more fully—including you.

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

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.