The Almost Empty Nest—Letting Go, Redefined: Parenting Teens and Finding Yourself Again—with Small Jar Coach

When Kids Return to the Nest — Letting Go, Setting Boundaries, and Parenting Adult Children Under One Roof | Ep. 53


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When your teen or young adult returns home—whether for the summer, after graduation, or because life didn’t go as planned—it’s a mix of joy, tension, and everything in between. I created this episode for the moms who are navigating this tricky transition, where parenting shifts from daily control to emotional guidance, and boundaries feel harder than ever to define.

You might be thrilled to have your child back, and also completely overwhelmed by the chaos, anxiety, and the return of old conflicts. I talk about the mindset shifts that help moms balance letting go, while still holding boundaries. I also explore how guilt, fear, and overthinking sneak in when your “almost adult” is living under your roof—but acting like the rules don’t apply.

Inside, we’ll unpack:

  • What independence really means—for you and for them

  • How to stop the cycle of nagging, resentment, and anxiety

  • Why setting boundaries isn’t about control—it’s about clarity

  • How to emotionally detach without disconnecting

    This episode is for the mom who wants to create a peaceful home, hold onto her own identity, and let her teen or young adult grow—without losing herself in the process.

    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.

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    The Almost Empty Nest—Letting Go, Redefined: Parenting Teens and Finding Yourself Again—with Small Jar CoachBy Master Coach Jennifer Collins

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