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

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

Christian Parentingredcircle.com

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

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Episodes

176. How to Be a Supportive (Not Pushy) Grandma

Becoming a grandma is a gift, but it’s not without challenges. In this episode, I share five faith-filled ways to support your adult children’s parenting with grace, not control. Learn how to show up with prayer, humility, and love as you build a joyful legacy with your grandkids. HELPFUL LINKS: Free Guide: 10 Things Not to Say to Your Adult Child here A Great Cloud of Witnesses Prayer Journal Free Connection Call with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela here Take the free 2-minute Quiz here Revi...

Jul 10, 202514 min

175. From Guilt to Grace: Helping Christian Moms of Addicted or Struggling Adult Children with Author Dawn Ward

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 Free Guide: 10 Things Not to Say to Your Adult Child here Free Connection Call with certified Empty Ne...

Jul 03, 202529 min

174. How Hearing God Helps You Trust Him with Your Grown Kids with Marnie Hammar

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 Guide: 10 Things Not to Say to Your Adult Child here Free Connection Call with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela here Ta...

Jun 26, 202531 min

173. Six Hidden Consequences of Not Letting Go of Your Adult Children

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 Call with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela here Take the free 2-minute Quiz here Review + Rate podca...

Jun 19, 202513 min

172. From Control to Surrender: Cultivating a Devotional Life with Rose Jordan

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 here Rose's YouTube here Free Guide: 10 Things Not to Say to Your Adult Child here Free Connection Ca...

Jun 12, 202532 min

171. Letting Go of Control: Trusting God with Your Adult Children

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 Call with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela here Take the free 2-mi...

Jun 05, 202514 min

170. Brave in the Empty Nest: Trusting God with Author Laura Smith

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 free 2-minute Quiz here Review + Rate podcast here Follow Pamela o...

May 29, 202527 min

169. From Pressure to Peace: 6 Ways Prayer Helps Christian Moms Stop People-Pleasing

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 Free Guide: 10 Things Not to Say to Your Adult Child here Free Connection Call with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela here ...

May 22, 202513 min

168. How People Pleasing Hurts Your Relationship with Your Adult Child

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 LINKS: Free Guide: 10 Things Not to Say to Your Adult Child here Fr...

May 15, 202513 min

167. Let’s Talk About People-Pleasing with Therapist, Heather Bjur

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: Christian Parenting's Moms, Dads & Grads Gift Guide here Heather Bjur on Instagram here Free Guide: 10 Things Not to Say to ...

May 08, 202527 min

166. Healing the Rift: Restoring the Relationship with Son/Daughter-In-Law with Counselor, Kathy Cunningham

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 LINKS: Free Guide: What I Wish I Knew Sooner About Parenting Adult Child...

May 01, 202526 min

165. Want to Be a Great Mother-in-Law? Stop Doing These 8 Things!

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 here Free Discovery Session with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela here Take the free 2-minute Quiz...

Apr 24, 202512 min

164. What Every Mother-in-Law Needs to Know: Encouraging, not Interfering

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 Ad ult C hild(And 5 Ways to Stop Yourself from Saying Them here Gift Guide for Moms, Dads, and Grads here Free Discovery Session with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela here Take the free 2-minute Quiz here Review + Rate pod...

Apr 17, 202512 min

163. Why Talking to Your Adult Kids Feels So Hard--And How to Fix It!

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 Free Discovery Session with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela here Christian Parenting's Moms, Dads &...

Apr 10, 202515 min

162. How to Communicate with Your Anxious Adult Child with author, Linda Hanstra

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: 10 Things Not to Say to Your Adult Child(And 5 Ways to Stop You...

Apr 03, 202520 min

161. Avoid These 10 Phrases: What NOT to Say to Your Adult Child, Part 2

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 free 2-minute Quiz here Review + Rate podcast here Follow Pamela ...

Mar 27, 202512 min

160. Avoid These 10 Phrases: What NOT to Say to Your Adult Child, Part 1

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 Follow Pamela on Instagram here Follow Pamela on Facebook here ...

Mar 20, 20259 min

159. How to Improve Communication in Your Empty Nest Marriage with Bob & Pamela Henkelman

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 with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela here Take the free 2-minute Quiz here Review + Rate podcast here Fol...

Mar 13, 202523 min

158. Six Biblical Ways for Christian Empty Nest Couples to Strengthen Communication, Part 2

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 the free 2-minute Quiz here Review + Rate the podcast here Follow Pamel...

Mar 06, 202511 min

157. Six Biblical Ways for Christian Empty Nest Couples to Strengthen Communication, Part 1

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 children spirituality After each feeling statement, the partner mirrors why they just heard without correcting, blaming, shaming, trying to fix, or arguing with their partner. Try to avoid feeling word...

Feb 27, 202511 minEp. 157

156. Empty Nest Marriages: 7 Communication Barriers and Practical Ways to Heal, Part 2

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 Free Discovery Session with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela here Take the free 2-minute Quiz here Review + Rate podcast here Follow ...

Feb 20, 202512 minEp. 156

155. Empty Nest Marriages: 7 Communication Barriers and Practical Ways to Heal, Part 1

Communication can feel complicated in an empty-nest marriage. Before fixing your communication, you'll need to understand the barriers. Let’s discuss three things that hinder communication: unmet expectations, emotional distance, and unresolved conflict. HELPFUL LINKS: Free Guide: Your Kids Are Grown...Now What? here Free Discovery Session with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela here Take the free 2-minute Quiz here Review + Rate podcast here Follow Pamela on Instagram here Follow Pamela on Face...

Feb 13, 202512 minEp. 155

154. Finding Your Purpose in the Empty Nest with Cathy Lawdanski

Please find out how she fills her time by focusing on serving, learning, and having fun! Doesn’t that sound amazing? HELPFUL LINKS: Cathy Lawdanski on Instagram here Cathy Lawdanski on Facebook here Sign up for Cathy's Weekly Newsletter here Free Guide: Your Kids Are Grown...Now What? here Free Discovery Session with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela here Take the free 2-minute Quiz here Review + Rate podcast here Follow Pamela on Instagram here Follow Pamela on Facebook here Pamela's website w...

Feb 06, 202522 minEp. 154

153. Four Powerful Questions Every Empty Nest Mom Should Ask to Find Purpose, Part 2

Let's talk about two more questions that lead to you discovering your purpose in the empty nest. This time you’ll look around and up to see where God is leading you! HELPFUL LINKS: Free Guide: Your Kids Are Grown...Now What? here Free Discovery Session with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela here Take the free 2-minute Quiz here Review + Rate podcast here Follow Pamela on Instagram here Follow Pamela on Facebook here Pamela's website with free resources here...

Jan 30, 202512 minEp. 153

152. Four Powerful Questions Every Empty Nest Mom Should Ask to Find Purpose, Part 1

You’ll be required to look inside, up to God, and around you to find your purpose. Tune in for two amazing questions that will lead you to discovering your purpose once your kids are grown. HELPFUL LINKS: Free Guide: Your Kids Are Grown...Now What? here Free Discovery Session with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela here Take the free 2-minute Quiz here Review + Rate podcast here Follow Pamela on Instagram here Follow Pamela on Facebook here Pamela's website with free resources here...

Jan 23, 20259 minEp. 152

151. Letting Go of Doubt: How Christian Moms Embrace Empty Nest Purpose, Part 2

You must move forward in spite of your fears and welcome the feeling of being uncomfortable for a little bit. On the other side of doubt and feeling uncomfortable is your fresh purpose. HELPFUL LINKS: Free Guide: Your Kids Are Grown...Now What? here Free Discovery Session with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela here Take the free 2-minute Quiz here Review + Rate podcast here Follow Pamela on Instagram here Follow Pamela on Facebook here Pamela's website with free resources here...

Jan 16, 202511 minEp. 151

150. Letting Go of Doubt: How Christian Moms Embrace Empty Nest Purpose, Part 1

Instead of feeling shame about doubt, bring into the light and talk to God about it. As you flex those faith muscles, doubt will be diminished. HELPFUL LINKS: Free Guide: Your Kids Are Grown...Now What? here Free Discovery Session with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela here Take the free, 2-minute Quiz here Review + Rate podcast here Follow Pamela on Instagram here Follow Pamela on Facebook here Pamela's website with free resources here...

Jan 09, 202510 minEp. 150

149. Most Listened to Episode of 2024: Do’s & Don’t of Transitions with Adult Kids

I had an insightful conversation with my youngest daughter’s Rebekah and Keziah. We covered the monumental transitions of college drop-off, wedding planning, young careers and early marriage. Enjoy the candor and wisdom from my daughters. HELPFUL LINKS: Free Guide: Your Kids Are Grown...Now What? here Free Discovery Session with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela here Take the Quiz here Review + Rate podcast here Follow Pamela on Instagram here Follow Pamela on Facebook here Pamela's website wit...

Jan 02, 202524 minEp. 149

148. 2024 Year in Review: Lessons, Highlights, and What’s Ahead for Christian Moms

Let’s reflect and see how far we’ve come and talk about what is coming for the new year on the Midlife Momma podcast. I also have a special announcement impacting the podcast for 2025. You won’t believe what God has done! HELPFUL LINKS: Free Guide: Your Kids Are Grown...Now What? here Free Discovery Session with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela here Take the Quiz here Review + Rate podcast here Follow Pamela on Instagram here Follow Pamela on Facebook here Pamela's website with free resources ...

Dec 26, 202412 minEp. 148

147. Holiday Grace: Loving Your Adult Child Through Faith Differences, Part 2

Navigating faith differences feels scary for moms, but if you lead with grace you can have some amazing conversations. Let’s talk about the grace to listen to your adult child’s perspective and the grace of loving your child unconditionally. HELPFUL LINKS: Free Guide: Your Kids Are Grown...Now What? here Free Discovery Session with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela here Take the Quiz here Review + Rate podcast here Follow Pamela on Instagram here Follow Pamela on Facebook here Pamela's website ...

Dec 19, 202410 minEp. 147
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