The Midlife Momma Podcast - Empty nest mom, Parenting adult children, Midlife transition, Christian mom
Welcome to The Midlife Momma Podcast, the go-to resource for empty nest moms ready to embrace the next chapter of life with confidence and purpose! Join me, Pamela Henkelman, a certified Empty Nest Coach and proud momma of five, as we navigate this transformative journey together. Each week, we dive into essential topics that matter most to midlife moms, including: Setting and maintaining boundaries Rediscovering your life’s purpose Mastering effective communication with adult children Strengthening your marriage in the empty nest season Leaning on faith to guide your journey Follow The Midlife Momma Podcast now to join a community of like-minded moms and start your journey toward confidence, connection, and fulfillment in this exciting new chapter of motherhood. The Midlife Momma podcast is part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. Find more information at www.ChristianParenting.org
Episodes
Author Dawn Ward shares her journey of parenting an addicted adult child and how she moved from guilt and shame to grace and freedom in Christ. If your adult child is struggling, this episode offers honest encouragement and real hope.
HELPFUL LINKS:
From Guilt to Grace by Dawn Ward here
Free Guide: Boundaries with Your Addicted Child here
Facebook Group: Christian Moms of Addicted Children here
If you’ve ever struggled to let go and trust God with your grown child, this episode is for you.
I’m joined by Marnie Hammar, host of the Hear Him Louder podcast, as we talk about how hearing God’s voice brings peace, calms fear, and helps us surrender control in this new season of motherhood.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Free Guide: Four Steps for Creating Quiet by Marnie Hammar here
Free Gu...
What really happens when we don’t let go of our adult kids?
In this episode, I share six surprising consequences of holding on too tightly and how it affects your peace, your faith, and your relationship with your grown children. You’ll leave encouraged, equipped, and ready to trust God more in this season.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Free Guide: 10 Things Not to Say to Your Adult Child here
Free Connection ...
Your connection with God is what helps you move from control to surrender.
Let’s move beyond “quiet time” and find grace in the moment. Join me for an impactful discussion with Rose Jordan as we explore learning to connect with God in your everyday life, allowing you to let go of control and surrender every anxious moment to Him.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Penny Jar Prayers here
Beneath the Fig Tree podcast
We hate to admit it, but many moms struggle with control.
If you've found yourself lying awake at night, replaying their choices, wondering if you should have said more, done more, or prayed harder, this conversation is for you. We’re talking about how to release control and trust God with your adult children.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Marriage Simplified Guide here
Free Guide: 10 Things Not to Say to Your Adult Child here
Free Connection Ca...
Feeling unsure, afraid, or stuck in the empty nest?
Author Laura Smith shares how biblical bravery can help you face midlife with faith, purpose, and courage. You’ll be encouraged to trust God and take your next brave step—right where you are.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Free Chapter Brave Woman, Mighty God here
Free Guide: 10 Things Not to Say to Your Adult Child here
Free Connection Call with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela here
Take the f...
169. From Pressure to Peace: 6 Ways Prayer Helps Christian Moms Stop People-Pleasing
Tired of walking on eggshells with your adult kids? In this episode, discover six ways prayer helps Christian moms break free from people-pleasing and find lasting peace. Learn how to set boundaries, surrender control, and please God above all.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Marriage Simplified Guide here
Hey Momma, are you always trying to keep the peace, say “yes” to everything, and avoid rocking the boat with your adult kids?
You’re not alone. We’re talking about people-pleasing: why we do it, how it drains us, and how it impacts our relationships with our grown kids. It’s time to release the pressure to please and start showing up as your whole, authentic self. You have God’s full approval—and that changes everything.
HELPFUL LIN...
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to keep everyone happy, you’re not alone.
Therapist Heather Bjur joins us as we tackle the challenging topic of people-pleasing. Let’s learn why we fall into it, how it affects our relationships, and how to break free. Heather shares practical advice on being emotionally honest with your kids and finding your voice.
HELPFUL LINKS:
When the relationship with your son or daughter-in-law is strained, it can feel like everything is fractured: your connection with your child, your role as a mom, even access to your grandkids.
Counselor Kathy Cunningham joins me for a powerful conversation about healing those deep relational wounds. She shares practical wisdom, biblical insight, and the very first step a mom should take when peace feels impossible.
HELPFUL LINK...
Do you have a vision for the kind of mother-in-law you want to be?
By avoiding playing the victim and taking things personally, not overstepping boundaries, and not competing for your child’s loyalty, you can have a supportive, healthy relationship with your child’s spouse. Listen in for eight things NOT to do as a mother-in-law,
HELPFUL LINKS:
Free Guide: 10 Things Not to Say to Your Adult Child
You set the tone in your relationship with your child’s spouse. Be the first to extend love and grace.
Honoring and supporting their family unit without meddling will strengthen your relationship with your child’s mate.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Free Guide: 10 Things Not to Say to Your Adult Child(And 5 Ways to Stop Yourself from Saying Them here
Gift Guide for Moms, Dads, and Grads
It’s not just you; there are real barriers to communication with your grown child.
Listen in to identify ten common communication barriers and learn a solution for each. When you understand what you’re up against, you can build a strategy to reconnect with your grown child.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Free Guide: 10 Things Not to Say to Your Adult Child(And 5 Ways to Stop Yourself from Saying Them) here
F...
This generation of young adults is called the Anxious Generation, and we need to know how to talk to them.
No mom wants to add to her grown child’s anxiety. Linda Hanstra provides tips for moms with anxious children. Learn to support your anxious child by listening more and reminding them what they know to be true.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Happy Together Checklist- for your Boomerang Kids here
Linda's Book, Empty Nest Joyride here
Free Guide...
Avoid these 10 phrases and learn to speak life instead.
Communication doesn’t have to be hard as long as we remember some guiding principles to speak life over our children. Let’s talk about awareness, humility, and the power of empathy.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Free Guide: 10 Things Not to Say to Your Adult Child (and 5 Ways to Stop Yourself from Saying Them) here
Free Discovery Session with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela here
Take the ...
No mother intends to hurt her grown child with her words, and yet she does.
Without realizing it, we can make our kids feel guilty, criticized, or like they never quite measure up. Tune in for 10 phrases not to say to your adult child.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Free Guide: 10 Things Not to Say to Your Adult Child here
Free Discovery Session with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela here
Take the free 2-minute Quiz here
Review + Rate podcast here
...
You’re not the only one struggling to communicate in your marriage.
Join Bob and Pamela Henkelman for a candid conversation about how they’ve struggled to communicate effectively in their marriage. They’ll share lessons they’ve learned and offer practical tools to strengthen communication with your spouse.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Free Guide: Marriage Awareness Worksheet here
Free Discovery Session
Have you ever tried “I feel” statements with your husband?
They are a great way to help you be honest and communicate with understanding instead of blame. We also talk about focusing on fun and seeking professional help when you feel stuck in a negative communication pattern in your empty nest.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Free Guide: Marriage Awareness Worksheet here
Free Discovery Session with certified Empty Nest Coach Pamela here
Take th...
Let’s learn some practical tools to reconnect and strengthen our communication.
Incorporate intentional conversations(how-tos in the show notes), practice active listening, and embrace grace and forgiveness.
Daily Check-In Script:
Person A starts by saying:
I feel __ _ _ _ about my work.
myself
us
...
Communication can be one of our greatest struggles in an empty nest marriage.
When you understand the communication barriers, you can learn to remedy them. Let’s discuss the obstacles of poor listening skills, neglecting spiritual connection, different visions for the future, and lack of quality time.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Free Guide: Marriage Awareness Worksheet? here
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