Why does something that’s supposed to be fun feel so hard?

You plan the vacation hoping for rest, reconnection, maybe even a few magical moments. But instead, you find yourself wondering if your teen even wants to be there. If you’ve ever come home from a family trip more drained than when you left—this episode is for you.

In this conversation, I’m unpacking the real reasons vacation with teens and young adults feels so emotionally charged, especially for moms parenting teens or college kids. You’ll discover:

The four hidden reasons vacation feels so hard in this stage of motherhood

How unspoken expectations shape your entire experience

A mindset shift that helps you reconnect—without needing your teen to change

Because while we can’t script how our kids show up, we can decide how we want to respond.
And sometimes, the connection we’re craving is closer than it seems.

💡 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.