About this episode

The episode discusses the emotional challenges mothers face when anticipating their older children returning home for the summer.

As much as you love your big kid, do you ever sometimes think, “I’m dreading having them home this summer?”  In this episode, I’m unpacking one of the thoughts moms are often too ashamed to say out loud. As summer approaches, many of us imagine the tension, worry, conflict, or disruption that might come with having an older teen or college-aged child back under our roof. And before summer even begins, we’ve already convinced ourselves we know exactly how it’s going to go. I’ll explore why this thought creates so much emotional weight, the hidden mindset trap behind it, and how our brains turn past experiences into predictions about the future. More importantly, I’ll show you how those predictions can quietly shape your relationship with your child...and steal your peace before anything has even happened. If you're parenting teens, navigating the empty nest transition, or simply wanting a more connected and peaceful summer with your child, this episode will help you let go of the story you've already written and open yourself to what's actually possible. 💡 Interested in learning more about how to create peace, confidence and connection as you raise and launch your teen? Join…

People in this episode

Host: Jennifer Collins

Topics covered

• parenting teens
• summer challenges
• emotional weight
• mindset traps
• family relationships
• empty nest transition

Keywords

• parenting
• teens
• summer
• emotional challenges
• family dynamics
• mindset
• empty nest

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Small Jar

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

• Parenting Teens and Adult Kids and Why It's So Hard to Stay Present for Their Wins | Ep. 257 · May 30, 2026 · 19 min
• “I Feel So Alone In This Experience of Raising Big Kids”—Thoughts Moms Parenting Teens and Adult Kids Are Ashamed They Think | Ep. 256 · May 27, 2026 · 21 min
• Graduation Isn't Just About Them—Parenting Teens, Adult Kids, and Letting Go | Ep. 255 · May 23, 2026 · 18 min
• “I Can't Stop Worrying About My Big Kid”—Thoughts Moms Parenting Teens and Adult Kids Are Ashamed They Think | Ep. 254 · May 20, 2026 · 20 min
• Boundaries You Set With Your Self: The Missing Piece in How You Show Up as a Mom Parenting Teens | Ep. 253 · May 16, 2026 · 19 min
• “My Big Kid Is Lying”—Thoughts Moms Parenting Teens and Adult Kids Are Ashamed They Think | Ep. 252 · May 13, 2026 · 18 min

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