24. From Home to College: Preparing for the Next Chapter - A Conversation with Esther Goetz from "Moms of Bigs"

Get ready for a wonderful discussion with Esther Goetz, the founder of Mom of Bigs, where we explore the unique challenges and joys of parenting older children. Listen in as Esther shares her personal experiences and insights from raising her four "grownish"  kids. From navigating the 'underground years' of teens and young adults to preparing to send them off to college, Esther has a wealth of knowledge to offer. You'll also learn about the importance of creating boundaries, encouraging independence, and managing adult children living at home.In this episode, we also share the importance of nurturing respect and independence in our children as they transition into young adults. We explore the concept of 'invitational respect', creating an inviting but not demanding environment for our kids. We also discuss the grief that comes with our kids leaving home, and how to manage it. You'll hear a personal story about her son wanting to come home for his birthday and bringing his girlfriend, a reflection of the complexity and depth of these relationships.We end the episode by talking about the importance of creating a supportive and loving environment for our grown children. We highlight the necessity of providing unconditional love and support while still promoting independence. We also discuss how to find support for older moms and the resources available, such as Her View From Home and So God Made a Mother. The conversation concludes with an exploration of the challenges of motherhood and how Mama Bigs has become a source of comfort and inspiration for other moms. So join us, and let's navigate these challenging yet rewarding years together. --------- EPISODE CHAPTERS ---------(0:00:10) - Tips for Moms Sending Kids to College(0:14:49) - Parenting With Invitational Respect(0:22:27) - Managing Adult Children Living at Home(0:30:57) - Support for Moms of Older Children(0:36:47) - Support for Moms in Motherhood ChallengesWant to connect with Esther? Check out her resources:Instagram: @momsofbigsFacebook: MomsofBigsWebsite:  www.estherjoygoetz.com/momsofbigs📺 Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOpw5ui4uxJHx0tLFVtpnfSkpObfc4d-KYou can find Katie at:website: burntpancakes.comYouTube: @burnt.pancakesInstagram: @burntpancakeswithkatieEmail: [email protected]🚽 Did you know Katie is also a Certified Potty Trainer? 🚽☎️ Schedule a 1:1 chat today: Schedule Here💻 Digital Potty Training Course HERE📖  Potty Training E-Book HERE🆓  FREE potty training resources HEREInstagram: @itspottytimeTiktok: @itspottytime_Some episodes include affiliate links at no cost to you.