We have Sharon Mankin back on the podcast! You all loved her wisdom and practical help the last time she was on the podcast. From the first minute to the end, you can see why Sharon is a coach to many women. She has empathy, understanding and practical tools to help us navigate challenging seasons.

This conversation is helpful to all moms in all seasons who want to “let go” of their kids in a healthy way. I am a lifelong learner and I crave wisdom from women that are ahead of me in their journey. If you are heading into the empty nester season, you will be extra encouraged by her insight, stories and tips. She reminds us that we can discover purpose beyond our parenting role. She reminds us that God is not done with us!

My favorite part is towards the end when she shares about how to know when to step in and when to stay calm and let our adult kids walk through their struggles. I will treasure this advice ahead of Ella’s college years.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Navigating empty nest stage
• Emotional journey of letting go
• How to recalibrate our expectations
• How to discover purpose beyond parenting

Enjoy!

Courtney

(03:06) Navigating the Empty Nest Stage

(05:56) Emotional Journey of Letting Go

(08:57) Recalibrating Expectations with Independence

(12:00) Understanding Codependency and Communication

(15:01) Finding Joy in the Transition

(17:56) Personal Growth and Rediscovering Identity

(21:38) Discovering Purpose Beyond Parenting

(24:51) The Importance of Disruption for Growth

(25:35) Balancing Support and Independence in Parenting

(28:40) Emotional Strength and Empathy in Parenting

(30:39) Creative Ways to Love Your Kids from a Distance

(37:50) Encouragement and Connection in Parenting

Connect with Pardon The Mess:

Christian Parenting

Pardon The Mess

Courtney DeFeo

Get your 2024-2025 prayer journal, A Life of Faith

Resources from today’s show:

Connect with Sharon

First episode with Sharon on PTM

Who Matters Most - relationship exercise

Touch Note - Post Cards

Support Christian Parenting

Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

You all LOVED our series “Empty Nester Wisdom” from two years ago so we are bringing it back. Mentors have played such a vital role in my parenting journey. For the next two months, we are going to learn from other wise and godly moms that are just a season ahead of us. This series isn’t just for those entering the empty nest season - it’s for all moms and all stages. Get your journals ready for the next 9 weeks - they all offer some advice and encouragement worth keeping. And possibly bring a tissue box.

I absolutely LOVED this chat with my buddy Jennifer Scott about the empty nest years. She shares so many pieces of wisdom as she has triplet kids all in college. I asked her what she’s glad they did as she looks back. Her answer was so encouraging to me. “We invested in a foundation of faith and foundation of relationship.”

We can do that parents! We can invest in our kids’ faith and in our relationship with them.

How do you know when to step in with your college or adult kids? Jennifer shares about how we must discern and lean on God to know when to hold back and when to show up. Don’t miss this episode! It’s for moms of all ages. I LOVE learning from moms ahead of me.

Thank you Jennifer for always being willing to share your heart, your wisdom and how God is working in your life. It’s invaluable insight for the moms behind you.

Enjoy this empty nester wisdom with Jennifer.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Setting realistic expectations when college kids come home
• Resisting the urge to look back and nitpick how you parented
• Trusting God with your kids when the story isn’t finished
• Keeping relationship with your kid when we disagree with choices

Enjoy!

Courtney

Chapters:

(02:55) Navigating Life Changes

(06:12) Lessons in Parenting and Faith

(08:52) Returning to the Workforce

(11:58) The Challenge of Empty Nesting

(15:01) Supporting Kids Through Struggles

(18:01) The Reality of College Life

(20:55) Reflecting on Parenting

(24:11) Trusting God with Our Children

Connect with Pardon The Mess:

Christian Parenting

Pardon The Mess

Courtney DeFeo

Get your 2024-2025 prayer journal, A Life of Faith

Resources from today’s show:

Connect with Jennifer

First episode with Jennifer on PTM

Christian Parenting resources

Marriage Simplified

NIV Application Bible

Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

You all LOVED our series “Empty Nester Wisdom” from two years ago so we are bringing it back. Mentors have played such a vital role in my parenting journey. For the next two months, we are going to learn from other wise and godly moms that are just a season ahead of us. This series isn’t just for those entering the empty nest season - it’s for all moms and all stages. Get your journals ready for the next 9 weeks - they all offer some advice and encouragement worth keeping. And possibly bring a tissue box.

Have you all watched the amazing show “Love On The Spectrum?” If not, you need to add that to your watch list for the summer. It’s a romantic documentary series as people on the autism spectrum look for love and navigate the changing world of dating and relationships.

My guest today is Nicci Smith who is a mom, wife and fierce advocate of the autism community. Her son, Tanner, is one of the breakout stars of the show. Nicci is doing an amazing job of sharing her faith in her new found fame. In today’s episode, we hear from a seasoned mom of four grown kids and all that God has taught her along the way.

She is so honest about her faith and her doubts which is so refreshing. She is also honest about how long she wanted to fix the autism out of Tanner. She provided invaluable wisdom to let go of control sooner. And to enjoy the exact child God gave to each of us. She shared that she’s thankful God didn’t answer her prayers to take the autism away.

Join us for the next 9 weeks and don’t forget to grab a journal and take notes from these wise mommas. What a gift!

Enjoy!

Courtney

(10:49) Acceptance and Letting Go

(16:42) Trusting God's Plan for Our Children

(18:40) The Power of Maternal Instincts

(21:11) Navigating Sibling Dynamics in Special Needs Families

(22:00) Fostering Compassion and Understanding Among Siblings

(28:38) Transitioning to the Empty Nest Stage

(31:08) Faith and Trust in Parenting Journeys

Connect with Pardon The Mess:

Christian Parenting

Pardon The Mess

Courtney DeFeo

Get your 2024-2025 prayer journal, A Life of Faith

Resources from today’s show:

Connect with Nicci

Connect with Tanner

Talk To Me, Sis podcast

Christian Parenting products

Marriage Simplified

Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org