Dear wonderful parents and listeners,
Have you ever caught yourself wondering who you'll be when your children no longer need you in the same ways they do now? That question lies at the heart of my recent conversation with Jodi Silverman, a truly inspiring coach who's helping women reclaim their identities during the empty nest phase.
What struck me most deeply about our discussion was Jodi's profound insight that the empty nest journey doesn't begin when your child leaves for college—it starts much earlier, perhaps when they first get their driver's license or begin taking those initial steps toward independence. Those moments when you suddenly find yourself with unexpected pockets of time and the gentle whisper of a question: "What do I want to do now?"
Jodi shared how this transition can feel both liberating and terrifying. Remember those car rides when your teen forgot you were in the front seat, and you glimpsed into their world through casual conversation? There's a bittersweetness in watching these moments slip away, even as new possibilities emerge.
One of the most powerful takeaways from our conversation was the shift from "fixer" to "coach" in our parenting approach. When we constantly solve our children's problems, we're not just robbing them of essential life skills—we're teaching them to doubt their own abilities. Jodi described how simply asking, "Are you just venting, or do you want me to weigh in?" can transform these interactions and reduce our own anxiety in the process.
Remember this truth: being a martyr is not what being a mom is about. By modeling self-care and pursuing our own interests, we're teaching our children something far more valuable than sacrifice—we're showing them how to live a balanced, fulfilling life.
Jodi's Moms Who Dare community represents exactly what many of us need during this transition: connection, personal growth, and the courage to try new things. Whether it's riding a bike again, taking that art class, or simply claiming Saturday mornings for yourself while your teen sleeps in, these small acts of reclamation can spark profound transformation.
As parents of teens, we stand at a unique threshold. We can use these years when our children still live under our roof to prepare—not just them for adulthood, but ourselves for the next beautiful chapter in our lives.
The #1 Parenting shift...
Every Mom Must Make to Empower, Equip and Instill Confidence In Their Children
What small dare might you take this week to reconnect with a part of yourself that's been waiting patiently in the wings?
With warmth and encouragement,
Cynthia
Watch the full episode now!
Jodi Silverman's Bio and Links:
Jodi Silverman is a passionate advocate and coach for women navigating the empty nest phase, empowering them to reclaim their identities and find joy in this new chapter of life. Through her innovative program and community support (“The Moms Who Dare®”), she helps women rediscover their passions, build confidence, and create fulfilling lives beyond motherhood.
Her journey began when she faced her own struggles with emptiness and loss of purpose as her children left home. The turning point came when she realized that this transition could be an opportunity for growth and self-discovery rather than a time of despair.
Through her experiences, Jodi developed a unique approach to help midlife women thrive, which she calls the DARE Method. This framework guides women to embrace their new freedom, cultivate self-awareness, and take actionable steps toward a more fulfilling life.
Email Jodi Silverman: jodi@momswhodare.com
Check out her contact info below. ⬇️
More About the Thriving Family Summit:
Join us for the FREE Thriving Family Summit: Tools and Strategies for Foster/Adoptive Parents. This virtual event will equip you with practical techniques for maintaining structure, building connections, and managing stress as your family transitions to summer.
What You'll Gain:
- Science-backed attachment strategies
- Practical tools to reduce anxiety
- Techniques to prevent and resolve power struggles
- Stress management skills for the whole family
- Educational support strategies
Our expert presenters include attachment specialist Claudie Pomares, anxiety coach Cynthia Coufal, behavior specialist Bonnie Butler, EFT practitioner Amy Millitor, and educational consultant Sharon Dunlevy.
Summer break doesn't have to mean stress disruption!
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“ Being a martyr is not what being a mom is. ”
— Jodi Silverman