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
Nov 13, 2025 • 28min
194 Untangled Advent: Finding Hope & Rest in the Empty Nest with Author Megan Nilsen
Hey Momma, do the holidays feel different now that the kids are grown? In this heartfelt Advent conversation, Pamela Henkelman and guest Megan Nilson, author of Untangled Advent: Finding Hope in a Weary World, talk about how empty-nest moms can release expectations, embrace spiritual rhythms, and rediscover peace this Christmas. If you’re longing for a slower, more meaningful holiday season centered on Jesus, this episode will renew your heart and help you savor His presence in every moment.HELPFUL LINKS: Untangled Advent by Megan Nilsen hereFree Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief 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
Nov 6, 2025 • 14min
193. When Grown Kids Can’t Come Home: Finding Peace and Joy in New Traditions
What happens when not everyone can make it home for the holidays? For many empty nest moms, this new reality brings a wave of disappointment, but it doesn’t have to steal your joy. Join Pamela as she shares six practical and faith-filled ways to approach holiday planning with your adult kids. You’ll learn how to practice radical acceptance, lead with emotional steadiness, and discover that even when the traditions change, God’s love and family connection remain strong.HELPFUL LINKS: CP Christmas Gift Guide hereFree Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief 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
Oct 30, 2025 • 32min
192. Staying Close When Your Grown Kids Live Far Away with Joanne McHugh
Hey Momma, what happens when your grown kids spread their wings, and their new home is in a different time zone? The distance can leave a tender ache in your heart.In this heartfelt conversation, I’m joined by Joanne McHugh, creator of Things Your Mom Should Have Told You, to talk about how to stay emotionally close even when the miles stretch long. We’ll explore how to accept the move, manage expectations, and keep your connection strong through faith and intentional rhythms.HELPFUL LINKS: Things Your Mom Should Have Told You newsletter Free Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief 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
Oct 23, 2025 • 14min
191. Overwhelmed by Your Adult Kids' Struggles? Soul-Care Practices for Moms
Are you feeling weighed down by the struggles of your adult kids? In this episode, Pamela shares six soul-care practices to help Christian moms move from overwhelm to peace. With insights from Dr. Alison Cook, you’ll learn how to honor your needs, process emotions through God’s truth, and find rest in His presence. Momma, you don’t have to carry it all. Come be reminded that God sees you, loves you, and is ready to restore your weary soul.HELPFUL LINKS: CP Christmas Shopping Guide hereFree Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief 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
Oct 16, 2025 • 31min
190. Overcoming Worst-Case Scenario Thinking About Your Adult Child with Coach Jennifer Collins
Do you ever find yourself spiraling into worst-case scenarios about your adult child? In this episode, Pamela sits down with Master Coach Jennifer Collins, host of The Almost Empty Nest Podcast, to talk about why our minds default to fear and how to stop catastrophizing. Together they explore practical tools to quiet anxious thoughts, discern real concerns from imagined ones, and lean into God’s truth instead of panic.HELPFUL LINKS: Jennifer's Free Master Class hereFree Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief 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
Oct 9, 2025 • 14min
189. Transitional Grief in the Empty Nest: How Christian Moms Can Cope with God’s Grace
Launching a child can leave even the strongest momma feeling undone. In this episode, we unpack transitional grief, what it is, how to recognize it, and why it’s a normal part of the empty nest journey. You’ll learn practical ways to acknowledge your emotions, healthy strategies to cope, and how trusting God can bring comfort in the middle of change.HELPFUL LINKS: Free Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief 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
Oct 2, 2025 • 30min
188. Empty Nest Blessed: Finding Faith & Joy in the Empty Nest with Author Suzy Mighell
Author and creator of Empty Nest Blessed, Suzy Mighell, joins me for an uplifting conversation about finding faith and joy in the empty nest. Suzy shares what inspired her new book, how God has met her in this season, and how moms can experience His presence during times of transition. Whether you’re grieving the quiet or longing for fresh purpose, Suzy reminds us that the empty nest doesn’t have to feel empty; it can be a place filled with God’s comfort, joy, and new beginnings.HELPFUL LINKS: Preorder Empty Nest Blessed 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 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
