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Ep. 291: Navigating Post-Parenting Transitions: Finding Yourself Again
Episode 291
What happens when the kids no longer need you 24/7?
In this heartfelt episode of Parenting Great Kids with Dr. Meg Meeker, we dive deep into the emotional and identity-shifting journey that many mothers face when transitioning from full-time parenting into the next chapter of their lives.
Dr. Meg sits down with Karen Johnson, a former educator, stay-at-home mom, and author of What Do I Want to Be When They Grow Up?. Together, they unpack what it means to grieve the end of hands-on motherhood while rediscovering purpose, passions, and personal identity.
Whether your children are in high school, heading off to college, or already out of the house, this episode offers compassionate, real-world advice for embracing life beyond daily parenting.
In this episode, we discuss:
- The silent identity crisis many moms face after full-time parenting
- Why it’s okay to grieve while still feeling grateful
- How guilt and shame keep women stuck—and how to break free
- The power of strong friendships and finding your tribe
- Practical steps to dream again and prioritize your own self-care
- Reframing motherhood as a journey with many chapters—not a single role
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About Karen Johnson
Karen Johnson is a former teacher turned stay-at-home mom and now the author of What Do I Want to Be When They Grow Up?. Her work encourages mothers to reflect, reset, and reignite their sense of self as they move into a new phase of motherhood
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Published on 1 day, 7 hours ago