

The Midlife Momma Podcast - Empty nest mom, Parenting adult children, Midlife transition, Christian mom
Christian Parenting
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 boundariesRediscovering your life’s purposeMastering effective communication with adult childrenStrengthening your marriage in the empty nest seasonLeaning 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
Mentioned books

Sep 25, 2025 • 11min
187. When Your Adult Child Doubts God: Why Listening Matters More Than Fixing
What do you do when your adult child says, “I’m not sure I believe in God anymore”? In this episode, we explore how Christian moms can respond with grace, compassion, and trust. Instead of panicking or preaching, you’ll learn why listening is the greatest gift you can give and how it opens the door for God to keep working in your child’s heart.HELPFUL LINKS: Free Guide: 10 Things Not to Say to Your Adult Child hereFree Connection Call with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela hereTake the free 2-minute Quiz hereReview + Rate podcast hereFollow Pamela on Instagram hereFollow Pamela on Facebook herePamela's website with free resources here

Sep 18, 2025 • 14min
186. Boundaries with Adult Children: Phrases and Behaviors That Backfire
If you’ve ever struggled to set boundaries with your adult child, you’re not alone. Healthy boundaries with adult children aren’t about control; they’re about love, respect, and connection. In this episode, I’m sharing six phrases and behaviors to avoid so you can communicate clearly, protect your relationship, and honor God in the process. Learn how to set boundaries with your grown kids in a way that builds trust, strengthens your faith, and creates lasting connections.HELPFUL LINKS: CP Friday Favorites Newsletter hereFree Guide: 10 Things Not to Say to Your Adult Child hereFree Connection Call with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela hereTake the free 2-minute Quiz hereReview + Rate podcast hereFollow Pamela on Instagram hereFollow Pamela on Facebook herePamela's website with free resources here

Sep 11, 2025 • 14min
185. Why Setting Boundaries Is a Gift to Your Adult Child
What if saying “no” could actually bring you closer to your grown kids? In this episode, discover why healthy, biblical boundaries can deepen connection, protect your peace, and create the space where love grows best.HELPFUL LINKS: Christian Parenting's Friday Favorites Newsletter hereFree Guide: 10 Things Not to Say to Your Adult Child hereFree Connection Call with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela hereTake the free 2-minute Quiz hereReview + Rate podcast hereFollow Pamela on Instagram hereFollow Pamela on Facebook herePamela's website with free resources here

Sep 8, 2025 • 13min
Bonus Episode: Praying for Your Kids and Grandkids
Hey Momma, today we’ve got something special for you: a bonus episode straight from the Pardon the Mess podcast!Every Monday, host Courtney DeFeo shares a short prayer to help you lift up your kids. Thisyear’s series follows Christian Parenting’s brand new prayer journal, A Great Cloud ofWitnesses. Each week highlights a biblical hero of the faith, paired with Scripture-based prayers for yourkids. Here is a sneak peek into week one:This first week is all about Noah—a man of incredible faith and obedience. While the worldaround him turned away from God, Noah walked in righteousness. Building the ark probablylooked foolish to everyone else, but Noah trusted God’s word even when it didn’t make sense.That’s the kind of faith we want for our kids: to listen to God’s voice over any others and walkconfidently with Him even when it means standing apart.If you love this episode and don’t have your copy of A Great Cloud of Witnesses yet, it’s not toolate to get yours! Go ChristianParenting.org to get your copy and follow along. And don’t forgetto tune in to Pardon the Mess every Monday for more prayer episodes. Order A Great Cloud of Witnesses today hereFollow Pardon the Mess on Apple or Spotify

Sep 4, 2025 • 26min
184. Tending Your Soul Through Transition with Author, Mariel Davenport
When motherhood shifts in the empty nest, how do you steady your soul? Author Mariel Davenport shares her TEND method and fresh encouragement from Scripture to help you walk with God through seasons of change.HELPFUL LINKS: Preorder Mariel's book, Ruth: Finding Grace in the Unexpected, hereMariel's Free 4 Week Devotional Through Ruth hereFree Guide: 10 Things Not to Say to Your Adult Child hereFree Connection Call with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela hereTake the free 2-minute Quiz hereReview + Rate podcast hereFollow Pamela on Instagram hereFollow Pamela on Facebook herePamela's website with free resources here

Aug 28, 2025 • 14min
183. What To Do When Your Grown Child Won’t Move Out
What should you do when your adult child won’t leave the nest? In this honest and hope-filled episode, we explore six faith-filled strategies to help you navigate delayed launching with wisdom and grace. Learn how to set healthy boundaries, communicate with love, encourage independence, and trust God’s timing, without losing the relationship or yourself in the process. HELPFUL LINKS: Free Guide: 10 Things Not to Say to Your Adult Child hereFree Connection Call with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela hereTake the free 2-minute Quiz hereReview + Rate the podcast hereFollow Pamela on Instagram hereFollow Pamela on Facebook herePamela's website with free resources here

Aug 21, 2025 • 28min
182. Empty Nest Awakening: Ruthie Gray’s Wisdom for Launching Kids with Faith
Launching our kids into adulthood is one of the most emotional transitions of motherhood. In this episode, author and seasoned mom Ruthie Gray shares her honest wisdom on identity, boundaries, communication, and faith during the launching years. If you're feeling unsure or a little lost, you're not alone, and this conversation is full of hope and encouragement just for you.HELPFUL LINKS: Free Guide: Next Steps Journal hereThe Sandwich Season Podcast hereFree Guide: 10 Things Not to Say to Your Adult Child hereFree Connection Call with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela hereTake the free 2-minute Quiz hereReview + Rate podcast hereFollow Pamela on Instagram hereFollow Pamela on Facebook herePamela's website with free resources here

Aug 14, 2025 • 14min
181. How to Let Go Well: A Christian Mom’s Guide to Launching Her Child
Launching a child into adulthood is emotional, sacred, and often bittersweet. In this episode, Pamela shares six powerful tips to help you release well, support wisely, and stay rooted in your faith. Learn how to manage your emotions, set healthy expectations, and anchor your identity in Christ, not just your role as mom. With grace and intention, you can let go well.HELPFUL LINKS: Free Guide: 10 Things Not to Say to Your Adult Child hereFree Connection Call with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela hereTake the free 2-minute Quiz hereReview + Rate podcast hereFollow Pamela on Instagram hereFollow Pamela on Facebook herePamela's website with free resources here

Aug 7, 2025 • 27min
180. How to Reconnect with Your Spouse After the Kids Leave with Author Sally Livingston
When the kids move out, it’s easy for the marriage to feel distant or even disconnected. But what if the empty nest could be a fresh start?In this heartfelt episode, Pamela is joined by author and counselor Sally Livingston to talk about how couples can move from feeling like roommates to rekindling emotional and spiritual intimacy. Whether your marriage feels stuck or just needs a reset, this conversation offers hope, practical tools, and the reminder that it’s never too late to reconnect.HELPFUL LINKS: 10 Day Journal for Marital Growth hereSally's website hereFree Guide: 10 Things Not to Say to Your Adult Child hereFree Connection Call with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela hereTake the free 2-minute Quiz hereReview + Rate podcast hereFollow Pamela on Instagram hereFollow Pamela on Facebook herePamela's website with free resources here

Jul 31, 2025 • 32min
179. Rocking the Grandma Role with Chrys and Shellie of Rocking It Grand Podcast
In this uplifting episode, I’m joined by Chrys Howard and Shellie Tomlinson, hosts of the Rocking It Grand podcast and authors of the book by the same name. These two fun and faith-filled grandmas share wisdom on leaving a godly legacy and investing spiritually in your grandkids, even from a distance.HELPFUL LINKS: Free Chapter Rocking It Grand hereRocking It Grand website hereFree Guide: 10 Things Not to Say to Your Adult Child hereFree Connection Call with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela hereTake the free 2-minute Quiz hereReview + Rate podcast hereFollow Pamela on Instagram hereFollow Pamela on Facebook herePamela's website with free resources here