The Midlife Momma Podcast - Empty nest mom, Parenting adult children, Midlife transition, Christian mom

What should you say when your adult child is struggling?

And just as important, what should you NOT say? Hayley Caddes and Colin MacDonald from Not Therapy join Pamela Henkelman to share what struggling young adults really need from their parents. Learn how to support your adult children without fixing, rescuing, giving unwanted advice, or letting your own anxiety take over. If you want healthier communication and a stronger relationship with your adult child, this conversation will help you show up with empathy, curiosity, and a listening ear.

HELPFUL LINKS:

Not Therapy Coaching with Hayley & Collin here

Christian Parenting's Christmas Gift Guide here

Apply for Coaching with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamelahere

Take the free 2-minute Quiz here

Review + Rate podcasthere

Follow Pamela on Instagramhere

Follow Pamela on Facebookhere

Pamela's website with free resourceshere

Is your adult child struggling with anxiety or depression? Pamela Henkelman talks with authors Hope Blanton and Christine Gordon, who share practical ways moms can support an anxious or depressed adult child without fixing, rescuing, or carrying their struggles. Learn from a therapist and theologian what to say, how to listen well, and how to manage your own worry as you trust God with your adult child.

HELPFUL LINKS:

Hope & Chris' book, Help for the Anxious and Depressed here

Hope & Chris' Bible Studies here

Free Guide: 10 Things Not to Say to Your Adult Child(And 5 Ways to Stop Yourself from Saying Them) here

Apply for Coaching with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamelahere

Take the free 2-minute Quiz here

Review + Rate podcasthere

Follow Pamela on Instagramhere

Follow Pamela on Facebookhere

Pamela's website with free resourceshere

Watching your adult child struggle can bring up fear, worry, and the urge to step in and fix everything. Therapist Carol Moore, known as Hey Mom on Instagram, joins Pamela Henkelman to talk about how moms can stay emotionally steady when their adult kids are struggling. We discuss how to support without rescuing, manage your own emotions, and build a healthy relationship with your adult child.

HELPFUL LINKS:

Follow Carol on Instagram here

Free Guide: 10 Things Not to Say to Your Adult Child(And 5 Ways to Stop Yourself from Saying Them) here

Apply for Coaching with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamelahere

Take the free 2-minute Quiz here

Review + Rate podcasthere

Follow Pamela on Instagramhere

Follow Pamela on Facebookhere

Pamela's website with free resourceshere

When your adult child is struggling, every mom wants to step in and make things better.

But rescuing your grown child can keep them from building the resilience they need. In this episode, Pamela Henkelman shares six practical ways to support your struggling adult child without rescuing them. Learn how to listen with empathy, encourage resilience, point them toward God, and let go with greater trust.

HELPFUL LINKS:

Free Guide: 10 Things Not to Say to Your Adult Child(And 5 Ways to Stop Yourself from Saying Them) here

Apply for Coaching with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamelahere

Take the free 2-minute Quiz here

Review + Rate podcasthere

Follow Pamela on Instagramhere

Follow Pamela on Facebookhere

Pamela's website with free resourceshere

What happens when the life you've carefully built suddenly falls apart? In this final episode of the Her Next Chapter series, Pamela sits down with author Cheryl Esper Balcom to discuss her novel Mother of the Year and the powerful themes of grief, surrender, faith, and letting go of control. If you're navigating change in midlife or learning to trust God with what you can't control, this conversation will encourage your heart.

HELPFUL LINKS:

Cheryl's Novel: Mother of the Year here

Cheryl's Website here

Free Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief here

Apply for Coaching with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamelahere

Take the free 2-minute Quiz here

Review + Rate podcasthere

Follow Pamela on Instagramhere

Follow Pamela on Facebookhere

Pamela's website with free resourceshere

What emotional baggage have you been carrying for far too long? In this episode of the Her Next Chapter series, Pamela talks with Lisa Najarian, founder of the You Go Girl movement and author of Girl, Unpack That!, about why women often carry unresolved hurts alone and how friendship and honesty can help us find healing. If you're ready to let go of what's weighing you down and step into your next chapter with greater freedom, this conversation is for you.

HELPFUL LINKS:

Lisa's book, Girl, Unpack That! here

Lisa's website, You Go, Girl here

Free Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief here

Apply for Coaching with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamelahere

Take the free 2-minute Quiz here

Review + Rate podcasthere

Follow Pamela on Instagramhere

Follow Pamela on Facebookhere

Pamela's website with free resourceshere

In this episode of the Her Next Chapter series, Pamela sits down with mentor, coach, and bestselling author Alli Worthington to talk about Alli’s passion to help women grow! Together, they explore why your best years may still be ahead and how to make personal growth a priority this season. Learn about Alli’s Wise Woman Method and Catalyst Circles.

HELPFUL LINKS:

Get Alli's Wise Woman Method on Substack here

Learn more about Alli's Catalyst Mastermind here

Free Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief here

Apply for Coaching with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamelahere

Take the free 2-minute Quiz here

Review + Rate podcasthere

Follow Pamela on Instagramhere

Follow Pamela on Facebookhere

Pamela's website with free resourceshere

Do you feel confident about your finances as you head into the next chapter of life? Crystal Paine, founder of Money Saving Mom and author of The 7 Habits of Financially Healthy Women, joins Pamela to talk about simple financial habits, overcoming money stress, and building greater financial confidence in midlife.

HELPFUL LINKS:

Crystals' Free 5- Day Budget Makeover here

Crystals' blog Money Saving Mom here

Crystals' Instagram here

Free Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief here

Apply for Coaching with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamelahere

Take the free 2-minute Quiz here

Review + Rate podcasthere

Follow Pamela on Instagramhere

Follow Pamela on Facebookhere

Pamela's website with free resourceshere

Weight gain during perimenopause and menopause can feel confusing, especially when the strategies that worked for years suddenly stop working. In this premiere episode of Her Next Chapter, Dr. Heather Awad explains why midlife weight gain happens, the health risks associated with menopause belly fat, why "eat less and move more" often falls short, what to know about weight-loss medications like Ozempic, and practical ways women can improve their health during this season.

HELPFUL LINKS:

Dr. Heather's website here

Dr Heather's Instagram here

Free Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief here

Apply for Coaching with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamelahere

Take the free 2-minute Quiz here

Review + Rate podcasthere

Follow Pamela on Instagramhere

Follow Pamela on Facebookhere

Pamela's website with free resourceshere

Many parents dream about the day their children launch into adulthood, but for families raising children with special needs, the empty nest may look very different. In this episode, Cindi and Joe Ferrini share insights from their new book Special Needs Parenting and discuss the unique challenges and blessings of caring for a child with special needs into adulthood. We talk about grief, marriage, finding joy on an unexpected journey, and trusting God when your parenting role doesn't unfold as you imagined.

HELPFUL LINKS:

Cindy Ferrini's website here

The Special Needs Parent here

Free Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief here

Apply for Coaching with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamelahere

Take the free 2-minute Quiz here

Review + Rate podcasthere

Follow Pamela on Instagramhere

Follow Pamela on Facebookhere

Pamela's website with free resourceshere

Why does letting go of our children hurt so much, even when they're exactly where they're supposed to be? In this episode, Pamela sits down with author Lisa Appelo to discuss her new book, God of Comfort, and the very real grief that accompanies the transitions of motherhood. Together, they explore why empty nest grief is often misunderstood, how God meets us in our sorrow, and what it looks like to trust Him as our roles as mothers change.

HELPFUL LINKS:

Lisa's Book: God of Comfort here

Lisa's Instagram here

Free Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief here

Apply for Coaching with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamelahere

Take the free 2-minute Quiz here

Review + Rate podcasthere

Follow Pamela on Instagramhere

Follow Pamela on Facebookhere

Pamela's website with free resourceshere

Sending your child to college is one of the biggest transitions of motherhood, especially when you're wondering if they'll continue to follow Jesus once they're on their own. In this episode, Pamela talks with author Paul Worcester about how parents can encourage their college students to develop a faith that lasts. You'll learn practical ways to support your child, pray with confidence, and trust God as they begin this new chapter.

HELPFUL LINKS:

Paul Bible Study for College Students: Thrive here

Free Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief here

Apply for Coaching with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamelahere

Take the free 2-minute Quiz here

Review + Rate podcasthere

Follow Pamela on Instagramhere

Follow Pamela on Facebookhere

Pamela's website with free resourceshere

Dropping your child off at college is one of the most emotional milestones of motherhood. In this episode, Pamela shares six reasons this transition hurts so much and offers biblical encouragement to help you navigate the grief, trust God with your emerging adult, and embrace this new season with hope.

HELPFUL LINKS:

Free Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief here

Apply for Coaching with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamelahere

Take the free 2-minute Quiz here

Review + Rate podcasthere

Follow Pamela on Instagramhere

Follow Pamela on Facebookhere

Pamela's website with free resourceshere

What do you do when your adult child walks away from faith? In this hopeful conversation, I’m joined by Steve and Jenia Williams, parents of Christian artist Zach Williams and authors of God’s Heart for the Prodigal. After walking through more than a decade of heartbreak and prayer for their wandering son, they share biblical encouragement and hope for moms loving a prodigal adult child.

HELPFUL LINKS:

William's Book: God's Heart for the Prodigal here

Free Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief here

Apply for Coaching with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamelahere

Take the free 2-minute Quiz here

Review + Rate podcasthere

Follow Pamela on Instagramhere

Follow Pamela on Facebookhere

Pamela's website with free resourceshere

Conflict with an adult child can leave a mom feeling hurt, anxious, and unsure how to respond. In this episode, Pamela shares six practical ways to stay emotionally steady during seasons of tension, distance, or misunderstanding. Learn how to process your emotions, lean into God's presence, listen with empathy, and become the kind of mom who creates safety and connection even in difficult conversations.

HELPFUL LINKS:

Free Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief here

Apply for Coaching with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamelahere

Take the free 2-minute Quiz here

Review + Rate podcasthere

Follow Pamela on Instagramhere

Follow Pamela on Facebookhere

Pamela's website with free resourceshere

Do you struggle with guilt over past parenting mistakes? In this conversation, author Laurie Davies shares why so many empty-nest moms carry regret and how God invites us to lay down the burdens we've been holding for far too long. If you're ready to release guilt and regret, embrace grace, and find freedom in Christ, this episode is for you.

HELPFUL LINKS:

Laurie's Website here

Free Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief here

Apply for Coaching with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamelahere

Take the free 2-minute Quiz here

Review + Rate podcasthere

Follow Pamela on Instagramhere

Follow Pamela on Facebookhere

Pamela's website with free resourceshere

Are you exhausted from worrying about your adult children? In this episode, Pamela shares six practical ways to become a more peaceful mom by letting go of expectations, managing emotions, and learning to trust God with the people you love most. If you're ready to let go of fear and experience more peace in the adult-child years, this episode will encourage your heart.

HELPFUL LINKS:

Free Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief here

Apply for Coaching with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamelahere

Take the free 2-minute Quiz here

Review + Rate podcasthere

Follow Pamela on Instagramhere

Follow Pamela on Facebookhere

Pamela's website with free resourceshere

Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright, granddaughter of Billy Graham, joins me to talk about her new book, God Won’t Leave You There, and the powerful lessons empty-nest moms can learn from Joseph’s story. We discuss trusting God through family pain, waiting seasons, broken relationships, and the challenges of surrendering our adult children to Him. If you’re carrying heartbreak or unanswered questions in motherhood, this conversation will remind you that God is still working behind the scenes.

HELPFUL LINKS:

Anne Graham Lotz website here

Rachel-Ruth Wright on Instagram here

New book: God Won't Leave You There here

Free Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief here

Apply for Coaching with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamelahere

Take the free 2-minute Quiz here

Review + Rate podcasthere

Follow Pamela on Instagramhere

Follow Pamela on Facebookhere

Pamela's website with free resourceshere

Family estrangement can leave moms feeling heartbroken, confused, and unsure where to turn. In this episode, therapist Rachel Haack shares insight into the family dynamics that often lead to distance, the role of differentiation, and practical ways parents can create space for healing and repair. If you're longing for reconciliation with your adult child, this conversation offers wisdom and hope for the journey.

HELPFUL LINKS:

Cozy Earth Code: MOMMA for 20% off, shop here

Rachel Haack's website here

Free Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief here

Apply for Coaching with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamelahere

Take the free 2-minute Quiz here

Review + Rate podcasthere

Follow Pamela on Instagramhere

Follow Pamela on Facebookhere

Pamela's website with free resourceshere

In this heartfelt conversation, family estrangement expert Tania Khazaal shares her personal journey from estrangement with her own mother to reconciliation and healing. Together, we explore why adult children sometimes pull away, what emotional safety looks like in family relationships, and how moms can respond with emotional confidence and the right language.

HELPFUL LINKS:

Tania Kazhaal's website and resources here

Free Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief here

Apply for Coaching with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamelahere

Take the free 2-minute Quiz here

Review + Rate podcasthere

Follow Pamela on Instagramhere

Follow Pamela on Facebookhere

Pamela's website with free resourceshere