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PODCAST

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

Master Coach Jennifer Collins

Are you stuck between wanting to guide your teen or college kid and knowing it’s time to start letting go? Welcome to The Almost Empty Nest Podcast, where moms of teens and college kids reframe what ‘letting go’ really means and stop second-guessing themselves to feel more connected, confident, and at peace in this chapter of motherhood. Each week, you’ll learn how to: • Break free from mindset traps like catastrophizing, mom guilt, and the illusion of control • Build a stronger

kids & family parenting

All Episodes

30:33

The Empty Nest Straddle | Ep. 148

The Almost Empty Nest—Letting Go, Redefined:... ·

2025/03/29

Have you ever felt like you're living in two worlds at once—still deep in the trenches of motherhood while also staring down an almost-empty nest? I know I have. In this episode, I dive into what I call the Empty Nest Straddle—that long, messy, emotional transition where you're constantly shifting between holding on and letting go. It’s the push and pull of still being needed while feeling your child drift into their own independence. And if you’ve ever wrestled with uncertainty, control,

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30:40

Mindset Traps of the Empty Nest - Trap #5 -...

The Almost Empty Nest—Letting Go, Redefined:... ·

2025/03/22

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31:07

Can't Wait for the Empty Nest? | Ep. 146

The Almost Empty Nest—Letting Go, Redefined:... ·

2025/03/15

Some moms dread the empty nest...and some of us....can't wait. Have you ever found yourself counting down the days until your child leaves home (either for the first time or after a visit)—but then feeling guilty about it? In this episode of he Small Jar Podcast, I dive into the emotional rollercoaster of looking forward to the empty nest while still holding space for the deep love we have for our kids. Why do some of us feel relief at the thought of reclaiming our time, while others

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32:10

Mindset Traps of the Empty Nest - Trap #4 - Illusion...

The Almost Empty Nest—Letting Go, Redefined:... ·

2025/03/08

Have you ever found yourself checking your kid, reminding them (again) about their responsibilities, or feeling that tight grip of anxiety when they don’t do what you ask or hope they'll do? If so, you’re not alone. In this episode of the Small Jar Podcast, I dive into one of the biggest mindset traps we face as moms of teens—the illusion of control. For years, we’ve shaped our children’s lives, guiding them, protecting them, ensuring their happiness. But as they step into independence, we

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31:27

100 Days Until Graduation....How I'm Approaching This...

The Almost Empty Nest—Letting Go, Redefined:... ·

2025/03/01

Two years ago, I recorded an episode about the last 100 days before my oldest son's high school graduation—full of emotion, nostalgia, and the feeling that time was slipping away. Now, I'm here again, counting down the last 100 days with my youngest, but this time, everything feels different. In this episode, I reflect on how much I've grown, how my perspective has shifted, and what I’ve learned about letting go, trusting the journey, and embracing this season with peace instead of fear. If

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26:24

Mindset Traps of the Empty Nest - Trap #3 -...

The Almost Empty Nest—Letting Go, Redefined:... ·

2025/02/22

Have you ever found yourself scrolling through social media, seeing another mom’s perfectly happy family vacation, and feeling that pang of “Why can’t I have that?” Or maybe you’ve heard about another teen’s big achievement and suddenly questioned whether you’ve done enough for your own child? In this episode of The Small Jar Podcast, I dive into the comparison trap—one of the sneakiest mindset traps that keeps us feeling inadequate and anxious. I’ll unpack why our brains are wired to

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28:09

Redefining Self-Awareness | Ep. 142

The Almost Empty Nest—Letting Go, Redefined:... ·

2025/02/15

I used to think self-awareness meant being brutally honest about all the ways I was falling short—until I realized that what I thought was awareness was actually just self-judgment. In this episode, I’m redefining what true self-awareness really looks like and how shifting your perspective can change everything. You’ll learn why self-judgment keeps you stuck, how to recognize sneaky mindset traps disguised as "truth," and the simple but powerful shift that will help you trust yourself and

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31:07

Mindset Traps of the Empty Nest - Trap #2 - All or...

The Almost Empty Nest—Letting Go, Redefined:... ·

2025/02/08

In this episode of theSmall Jar Podcast, I’m diving into the second mindset trap on the road to the empty nest—all-or-nothing thinking. You know the feeling: if your teen misses a curfew, your brain leaps to worst-case scenarios, or if you’re not the 'perfect mom,' you fear you’re failing altogether. But here’s what you might not believe—you’re not falling into this trap because you’re anxious or overreacting. In fact, your brain thinks it’s protecting you. I’ll show you why this instinct

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27:51

When Life Gets Hard | Ep. 140

The Almost Empty Nest—Letting Go, Redefined:... ·

2025/02/01

As moms, we're always trying our best. You pour your heart into your kids. But as they pull away, or as you approach the empty nest, it can feel really hard. In fact, during this transitional time of life, there are many things that can feel really hard. Just looking on the bright side isn't an option. In this episode, I’m sharing a deeply personal story about one of the hardest moments I’ve faced as a mom—and what it taught me about love, letting go, and trusting myself. If you’re

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31:27

Mindset Traps of the Empty Nest - Trap #1 - Emotional...

The Almost Empty Nest—Letting Go, Redefined:... ·

2025/01/25

Are you ready to take a closer look at the mindset traps that keep us stuck as moms approaching the empty nest? In this episode of my new series on the mindset traps of the empty nest,I'm tackling Mindset Trap #1, and that is the emotional rollercoaster that so many of us moms find ourselves riding. I’ll share why we often feel like our emotions are completely out of our control and how this mindset can hold us back from peace and clarity. You’ll walk away with practical insights on how to

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27:53

What is a Mindset Trap? | Ep. 138

The Almost Empty Nest—Letting Go, Redefined:... ·

2025/01/18

Join me for a Mindset Trap 101. In this episode, I continue Small Jar's new series on Midlife Mindset Traps by exploring what they are, how they form, and how they intertwine with our instincts as humans.Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode... First, you'll learn how mindset traps are fueled by subconscious biological responses that are completely normal and natural. Second,you'll discoverhow our thoughts and beliefs about ourselves shape the stories we tell about who we are. And

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26:34

Midlife Mindset Traps - Intro Part III - Keeping It...

The Almost Empty Nest—Letting Go, Redefined:... ·

2025/01/11

Join me as I wrap up the three-part introduction to my new series on Midlife Mindset Taps with a deep dive into the instinct to conserve energy—what I call "keeping it simple." I explore how this instinct has evolutionary roots and helps us create habits, routines, and efficiencies in our lives. But I also explore howthis instinct can hold us back when life calls for change, like letting go of our teens or navigating the transition to an empty nest. You'll learn how your mindset drives both

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27:32

Midlife Mindset Traps - Intro Part II | Ep. 136

The Almost Empty Nest—Letting Go, Redefined:... ·

2025/01/04

Welcome back to Part II of the introduction to this new series on the Small Jar Podcast whereI dive into the mindset traps that can hold us back as moms of teens and almost empty nesters. This week focus on our instinct to avoid pain and how this shapes the lens through which we view our role as parents and our kids' moods, behavior and outcomes. This basic instinct is a really good thing in many ways, but it can also hold us back and cause us to show up in ways that we don't really want

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25:05

Who Will You Be in 2025? | Ep 135

The Almost Empty Nest—Letting Go, Redefined:... ·

2025/01/01

As we stand on the threshold of 2025, I invite you to join me for a journey through the lessons, growth, and pivotal moments that have defined my past five years. In this episode of The Small Jar Podcast, I reflect on the evolution of motherhood, the transition into an empty nest, and the profound realization that loving unconditionally and leading with intention is the key to thriving in every role we play. Together, we’ll explore how celebrating small wins, embracing self-compassion, and

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34:33

Midlife Mindset Traps - Intro Part I | Ep. 134

The Almost Empty Nest—Letting Go, Redefined:... ·

2024/12/28

This week on The Small Jar Podcast,I'm kicking off a transformative new series on MidlifeMindset Traps that keep us stuck in frustration and anxiety. If you find yourself struggling as a mom to find peace, connection, and purpose, this episode is for you. In this first episode, I dive into how our instinct to seek comfort can sometimes lead us astray, leaving us feeling dependent on external validation or stuck in unproductive habits. You’ll learn three powerful insights: the role your

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28:04

A 10 Out of 10 Holiday | Ep. 133

The Almost Empty Nest—Letting Go, Redefined:... ·

2024/12/21

10 out of 10! 5 stars! Excellent! Amazing!Wouldn't it be nice if you could reflect on the upcoming holidays with this sentiment? In this episode of the Small Jar Podcast, I explore how...not by creatingperfect circumstances, but by taking ownership of your emotional experience. Like a teacher, we have an internal "rubric" for judging our lives. But this often leads to disappointment when reality doesn't meet our expectations. Join me as I uncover how to redefine those expectations, embrace

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22:14

Unconditional Connection with Your Teen | Ep. 132

The Almost Empty Nest—Letting Go, Redefined:... ·

2024/12/14

Join me as I open up about the emotional tug-of-war that comes with parenting a high school senior as they prepare to leave the nest. It’s a time of mixed emotions—grappling with pride, fear, and the bittersweet realization that life is changing. I share personal stories and insights on how to let go of the expectations that often define our connection with our teens, and instead, learn to embrace unconditional love and connection, even as they grow more independent. This episode is a guide

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24:57

A Gift for My Teen | Ep. 131

The Almost Empty Nest—Letting Go, Redefined:... ·

2024/12/07

The emotions of parenting teens can hit hard—whether it’s waiting for big college news, managing the quiet shift of an almost-empty nest, or navigating the bittersweet joy of watching your kids grow up. In this week’s episode,I’m sharing one of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned as a mom: how to create unconditional love, connection, and purpose—no matter the challenges or changes that come our way. This episode isn’t just about giving your teen the space to grow; it’s about discovering

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22:30

Choosing Peace | Ep. 130

The Almost Empty Nest—Letting Go, Redefined:... ·

2024/11/30

The holiday season is upon us—filled with joy, love, and, let’s be honest, a fair share of stress. In this episode, I invite you to consider that peaceisn'tsomething you have to earn...but instead something that you have the power to choose. Join me as I share howyou can step off the hamster wheel of expectations—your own and everyone else's—and truly embrace a sense of calm and connection.As you navigate the holidays, give yourself the most precious gift of all—the ability to choose

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23:49

ONE Obstacle Series - Overcoming Dread | Ep. 129

The Almost Empty Nest—Letting Go, Redefined:... ·

2024/11/23

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