Happy Summer folks!

This is the first episode in this series that I did not cry. You’re welcome. I wanted to get super practical with this one and asked Chrystal Hurst Evans to bring her best empty nest tips for us. She shares about ways we can start training and teaching our kids to live without us. From budgeting to cooking - she explains that much of this training happens well before their senior year. It’s a mindset shift earlier that helps make us all ready for those launching years.

As a writer, speaker and gatherer, Chrystal has a massive passion for women and how to get us up and moving towards goals. She is that “you can do it” friend that will light a fire under your overwhelmed body.

My favorite is when she shares about how to be a student of yourself. She reminds us that we each have massive skills and gifts from God and we often need our circle of friends to point those out. As moms, we often lose confidence in our skills and it can cause fear as the kids leave the home. What will I do now? Do I have what it takes to change directions or careers now that my time is more flexible? Praying this episode greatly encourages you and provides practical ways to equip you and your family for a new season.

In this episode, we chat about:

• Drawing boundaries with adult kids
• Teaching financial responsibility
• Learning yourself again - gifts, passions and skills
• Prioritizing prayer as you have less control

Enjoy!

Courtney

(00:00) Introduction and Personal Background

(03:03) Navigating the Challenges of Parenting

(05:45) Building a Business with Family

(08:50) Preparing for Empty Nesting

(11:42) The Importance of Early Independence

(14:29) Rediscovering Personal Passions

(17:24) Recognizing Transferable Skills

(19:37) The Journey of Self-Discovery

(22:51) Embracing Change in Marriage

(30:17) Faith and the Empty Nest Experience

Connect with Pardon The Mess:

Christian Parenting

Pardon The Mess

Courtney DeFeo

ORDER YOUR 2026-2027 PRAYER JOURNAL NOW

Resources from today’s show:

Connect with Chrystal

Join the Sister Circle

100 Days to Discovering the Gift of You - Chrystal’s latest book

Christian Parenting Products

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

We have another great episode in the Empty Nester Wisdom series with Empty Nest Coach and host of the Midlife Momma Podcast, Pamela Henkelman. It was so fun to watch her soar in this conversation and it’s clear she has a passion in this phase of motherhood.

Pamela shares that this is a very sweet time of life that we can enjoy. We don’t need to dread this transition. It’s a season where we can rediscover our purpose and our joy. I know she will get you excited to look ahead to this new phase with excitement not dread.

My favorite part is when she talks about her intentional thinking around relationships. She doesn’t just prioritize the relationship with her kids, she aims at loving their spouses well. Even if you’re 10 years out from being an “in-law,” tuck away this wisdom from a seasoned mom that is running her empty nest race well.

In this episode, we chat about:

• Allowing children to grow independently
• Connecting with their spouses
• Choosing your words wisely with adult children
• Letting go of expectations with holidays

Enjoy!

Courtney

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction and Personal Connections

(02:57) Transitioning to Empty Nest Coaching

(05:55) Navigating Relationships with Adult Children

(08:57) Setting Boundaries with Adult Children

(11:58) The Role of Spouses and In-Laws

(15:00) Rediscovering Identity in Midlife

(18:01) Embracing New Opportunities

(20:49) Creating a Welcoming Home Environment

(24:03) Success Stories and Client Transformations

(26:46) Conclusion and Resources

Connect with Pardon The Mess:

Christian Parenting

Pardon The Mess

Courtney DeFeo

2025-2026 Prayer Journal: A Great Cloud of Witnesses

Resources from today’s show:

Connect with Pamela Henkelman

Free! 10 things NOT to say to your adult child

Sheepgate - addiction recovery in Iowa

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

Happy Summer friends!

We are continuing our series, Empty Nester Wisdom, with my friend Amy Fenton. Amy is a mom to three grown kids and she’s been serving in children’s ministry for over 30 years. She has a passion for equipping the local church and the young children that come into those doors.

Amy talks about raising three kids (two boys) as a single mom and how the local church supported them along the way. She had a desire for her boys to be influenced by strong Christian men - and she can look back now and see God’s faithfulness. I pray through this episode that many feel called to step into volunteering for kids and students at your local church. It matters!

I loved her encouragement about finding a church that your kids actually enjoy. It may take sacrifice on your part, but consider prioritizing their needs in a church community when they are so young. I loved this practical yet profound advice for us all!

In this episode, we chat about:

• Asking for help as a single mom
• How to find a local church
• Importance of role models our kids’ lives
• How to support your children’s ministries

Enjoy!

Courtney

Chapters:

(01:24) Journey in Children's Ministry

(02:46) The Importance of Volunteer Engagement

(05:22) The Role of Community in Child Development

(08:34) Finding the Right Church Environment

(11:24) Balancing Parental Guidance and Faith

(15:35) Reflections on Parenting and Counseling

(17:07) Starting the Journey: Finding Support for Mental Health

(19:01) Building a Supportive Community for Children

(21:42) The Myth of the Parenting Checklist

(22:54) The Role of Parents in Church Involvement

(26:00) Rediscovering Self in the Empty Nest

(29:07) Encouragement for Single Moms

Connect with Pardon The Mess:

Christian Parenting

Pardon The Mess

Courtney DeFeo

Resources from today’s show:

Connect with Amy (amy@thinkorange.com)

Curriculum at Think Orange

Amazing Life Foundation

Cross Point Church

Raising Boys and Girl

Amy’s episode on Raising Boys and Girls

How to find a counselor for my child

Christian Parenting Products

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