You thought the quiet would bring peace. Instead, it brought questions. What do I do now? Who am I without them here? And how do I make this next chapter mine? If the transition into the empty nest has left you feeling unsteady, you’re not the only one and there’s a path forward.

In this episode, I’m sitting down with Jay Ramsden, an empty nest coach, and he unpacks what really happens when the kids move out and you’re left to navigate the emotional and logistical shifts. From the identity crisis no one warned you about to the deafening quiet that creeps in, we explore how this life transition can shake your sense of purpose and how to rebuild it with intention.

We walk through the three emotional phases: grief, relief, and joy, and why they rarely show up in order. Jay shares how to prepare your mindset before the kids leave, how to nurture your marriage through the shift, and what it means to create new routines that center your own well-being while also learning how to cope with empty nests.

Here’s what we unpacked:

• The emotional layers of empty nest syndrome, grief, and why shame often tags along
• How to approach self-care for moms and navigate the silence with confidence
• What self-discovery, personal growth, and finding a passion can look like in this new season
• The power of navigating changes in your marriage and reconnecting in a new rhythm
• Practical ways to start finding yourself again and embracing a true mental reset

If you're trying to make sense of the quiet, questioning who you are now, or just need a little emotional support, this episode is here to help you breathe, reflect, and begin again.

Here’s to rediscovering who you are,

Allison

Want to be a guest on the show? Apply to share your story.

Connect with me:

Website: https://www.lifecoachallisongoldberg.com

Email: navigatingthelaunch@gmail.com

Was there a moment when you walked past your child’s empty room and it hit harder than you expected? You might find yourself debating whether to reach out or hold back, unsure of what this new dynamic should look like. If your child’s start of college has you feeling a little off balance or unsure how to handle all the changes, you’re definitely not the only one.

In this week’s conversation, Laura shares what it’s been like since her son moved out, even though he's still in the same city. We talk through the grief that catches you off guard, the boundary questions that feel impossible to get right, and the tension between stepping back and staying close.

We also explore what happens inside a family as roles start to shift. From the way your parent role evolves overnight to the new rhythm with the child who’s still at home, everything gets recalibrated. And if you’re married, that includes your relationship too. Laura reflects on how this life transition has sparked moments of reconnection and unexpected space to breathe.

Here’s what we unpacked:

• What grief can look like after college drop-off, even if they’re just across town
• How the mother son relationship shifts as teens seek independence
• The fine line between managing expectations and holding on too tight
• The impact of changing family dynamics can have on the child who stays home
• What it means to stay present while you're in the middle of your own self rediscovery
• How one conversation can change everything when it comes to reconnecting in marriage
• Why letting go is part of raising teens, even when it doesn’t feel natural

If you're adjusting to a quieter house, rethinking what parenting looks like, or just trying to navigate this new chapter, this episode is a gentle, honest companion for your journey.

Here’s to navigating the quiet moments with grace,

Allison

Want to be a guest on the show? Apply to share your story.

Connect with me:

Website: https://www.lifecoachallisongoldberg.com

Email: navigatingthelaunch@gmail.com

Is your teen in the middle of sorority rush or fraternity rush, and you're the one fielding the emotional fallout? Are you remembering your own bid day rejection, or silently hoping your child doesn’t feel the pain of rejection? If the rush week process feels like more than you signed up for as a parent, this episode is for you.

This isn’t just about Greek letters or group chats. It’s about what happens when your child is focused on finding belonging, and you’re trying to support them without steering the ship. In this episode, I share the real story of my own college rejection, what it stirred up when my daughters rushed decades later, and how I learned to step back, listen, and let them lead.

We talk about the complicated emotions that rush season brings, for them and for us, and why it's so tempting to overstep. I’ll walk you through what it looks like to offer steady emotional support without taking over, and how to help your child build emotional resilience when things don’t go as planned.

Here’s what we explored:

• Why bid day can trigger more than just disappointment, and how to support your teen through it
• What my own college rejection taught me about offering grounded parenting advice during rush week
• The difference between helping and hovering when parenting teens through high-stakes transitions
• How to recognize when your teen needs your input vs. when they just need your presence
• Why rejection might be the very thing that helps shape their college social life and clarify their college decisions
• What it looks like to raise self-trusting kids in high-pressure environments like greek life
• Tools to offer real emotional support while navigating your own college transition as a parent

If you’re holding your breath while your child waits for a bid, or trying to help them process not getting one, this conversation will help you stay grounded and connected.

Here’s to parenting through pressure with compassion,

Allison

Want to be a guest on the show? Apply to share your story.

Connect with me:

Website: https://www.lifecoachallisongoldberg.com

Email: navigatingthelaunch@gmail.com