SEASON ONE FINALE | Dear Younger Me | The Tween Mom Chapter

Hey hey hey girl!! Okay… deep breaths… because I seriously cannot believe I am saying this! 

Today is the FINAL episode of Season 1!

Like, what even?!

We made it through 30+ episodes together, and y’all — it’s been such a ride. Am I lying?

And not only are we closing out the whole season today, but we’re also wrapping up the Dear Younger Me series. 

The final letter. The final chapter. The Tween Mom chapter. 

Now, before we dive into today’s juicy convo, I’ve got two big things to tell you — and trust me, you do not want to miss either of them.

First up... I’m officially launching something brand new inside the FR, Let’s Talk fam:

Teen Girl Coaching. With. Me.

Yup — you heard it here first! Coaching is now open, and girl, I am so pumped about it.

So maybe you’re asking, what even is teen coaching?

Let me guess…

You’re tired.Tired of trying to keep up.Tired of blending in.Tired of spending money (that’s not even yours) to keep up with the trends — the Lululemon leggings, Alo Yoga jackets,

Birkenstock clogs, the latest iPhone.

And all this trying, it’s left you exhausted. 

Maybe you’re tired of pretending to be confident when you’re really just anxious, overwhelmed, and questioning who God made you to be.

Babe, I get it. Like so much. 

But imagine this instead…

Feeling free in your own skin.

Rooted in your identity in Christ — not just knowing about God, but actually walking in confidence because you believe what He says about you.

Learning how to set boundaries, speak up, and not apologize for the space you take up.

Feeling lighter, stronger, more YOU than ever before.

That’s what coaching with me is all about. So if that sounds like something your heart’s been craving — don’t wait. Head to www.frletstalk.com/coaching.

Grab your mom or dad, schedule your free intro call, and let’s see if this 6-month coaching journey is the right fit. 

Normally it’s $300/month, but through July 15, it’s only $250/month for podcast listeners (aka YOU!).

AND HERE’S THE SECOND BIG ANNOUNCEMENT:

I just opened up my speaking schedule to the public! That’s right — this fall, I’m carving out time to come speak in person to girls just like YOU.

So if you’ve got a church event, a camp, a conference, or even a youth night, and you’re thinking, “Umm... we NEED her here,” head to www.frletstalk.com/speaking.

I’d love to come to your hometown and finally hug you in person. Don’t wait, babe — spots are limited and I’d love to speak to your squad. 

Whew, okay. Big stuff today.

Now before we dive into today’s final episode — here’s the scoop on what’s next. For those of you who missed last week’s episode, you’re like seriously out of the loop, so this is for you — you’re welcome. 

We are taking a 6-week summer break to rest, reset, and totally level up for Season 2.

I’ll be soaking up some sunshine, sipping iced coffee, probably chasing my kids around — and working hard behind the scenes to bring you even more fire content for next season.

Now, hang tight. Don’t hit the pause button JUST yet! I’ve still got you covered, because over the next 6 weeks, I’ll be dropping a few surprise bonus episodes to keep you company while we’re on break. 

• One episode features a qualified woman who works closely with teens — she’s got the inside scoop on bullying and toxic friendships and shares honest, eye-opening insights that will make you feel so seen.

• The other is with a functional nutritionist who breaks down everything periods — from why they happen and what’s totally normal, to handling those “surprise!” moments your body throws at you. Plus, she shares a beautiful biblical take on why God designed us this way, helping us see our periods as a gift, not something to freak out about.

And trust me babes… You definitely don’t want to miss these bonus episodes, so keep those notifications on and make sure you’re signed up for the newsletter. Got it?

And now, the moment you’ve been waiting for — drumroll please . . . Season 2 launches the third week of August, either Friday the 20th or Sunday the 22nd.

We’re deciding whether to go Friday fun or Sunday chill, but either way, email subscribers get first dibs. (If you’re not on the list yet, you know what to do!)

Again, I dropped the tea last week — but in case you missed it: Season 2 is going to be NEXT. LEVEL. Like legit, leveling up. Why? Because I’m not doing this alone anymore!

Yup, if you missed the memo last week, that’s right, we are going from solo to duo. Can you even?! Allow me to introduce you to her! 

Meet Heather Baker!

She has an identical twin sister (seriously cool), is a professional makeup artist with her own product line, a Muay Thai fighter (yes, she’s fierce), runs a conference for girls + women, and she’s writing two books coming out in 2026.

Heather LOVES teen and tween girls and has a heart of gold.

And together, next season, we’re diving headfirst into the wild, crazy, and totally inspiring life of Joseph — all the dreams, drama, betrayal, and that epic comeback. 

Guys, we are so pumped to peel back the layers of the Bible with you and dig into the juicy, real fruit of God’s Word. 

And can we just say how lucky we are to have a fabulous plus one joining us? Season 2 is gonna be fire, and I can’t wait for you to meet her!

Now, let’s finally settle in! 

Snag your Stanley, toss your hair up in a messy bun, and let’s dive into the final episode of Season 1.

Where even were we?

Ah yes — Dear Younger Me.

Honestly, these past few episodes have been like one giant soul-hug. Am I right? 

Messy stories, real feels, unfiltered truth — and I hope along the way, you saw little pieces of yourself tucked into mine.

You know, those moments where you’re like, “Okay wait… I’m not the only one who’s felt like that?”

Exactly, babe. You’re not. You never were.

And honestly? I hope this little deep dive into my world created a space where you feel like we’ve been doing life together — like two besties curled up on a couch with oversized hoodies and iced lattes, just talking real. The kind of space where you feel safe, known, and maybe even a little lighter after each episode. That’s always the heart behind this.

If I’m being real, I know some moments probably hit different for you — maybe you nodded through the awkward elementary days, cringed at the middle school mess, or felt all the feels in high school. Whatever season grabbed you, I hope it made you pause and think, “Wow… same.” That’s the magic, girl.

Knowing you’re not walking through any of this alone. 

Now, today’s episode — it’s gonna feel a little different.We’re closing out Season 1 with the final “Dear Younger Me” letter — the tween mom chapter — but I know for you, that might feel a little far off. Am I right? 

Marriage? Babies? Being a mom?? I get it, girl — you’re over here like, “I still sleep with a stuffed animal and pre-algebra is the biggest commitment I’ve got.”

So while the last few episodes have been deep dives into seasons of my life that might still feel way off for you… today’s different.

I’m not just giving you another peek into my world as a mom — today, I want to flip the lens. Let’s look at this season through your eyes — the daughter.

Because let’s be honest: sometimes your mom feels super annoying, a little too nosy, maybe even like she’s asking for access to parts of your life that you don’t think she’s earned. I see it.

And, I get it.

But what if — just for a second — I helped you see her a little differently? Not as someone trying to control everything, but someone who’s just... trying. Really trying.

She doesn’t always get it right. But most of the time? Her heart is actually for you.

So today, I hope this episode gives you a fresh lens, a little more grace, and maybe even a sprinkle of patience for the woman who’s doing her best to raise you right in the middle of your most confusing season yet.

Alright babe, let’s have one last heart-to-heart before we close out the season. You in?

I mean…It’s the grand finale, girl. Let’s make it count.

Alright, tween girl mom chapter. 

Growing up, my mom had this phrase she’d throw at me on the regular —and yep, she still says it to this day: “Kas… assume positive intent.” 

As a kid, I’d be like, “Cool, but… what?” 

But the moment I got married and inherited a mother-in-law (bless), and then had kids of my own, girl… it finally clicked. 

"Assume positive intent" is really just a fancy grown-up way of saying:

“Hey, maybe they weren’t trying to be mean.”

It’s choosing to believe the best about someone — even when they mess up, say it wrong, or totally miss the mark. It’s giving someone the benefit of the doubt — like pressing pause on the drama and saying, “Hold up… maybe her heart was in the right place.

Really, it’s just a soft reminder to check the story you’re telling yourself before going full eye-roll. Sometimes, people really aren’t out to hurt you — they just don’t always get it right.

Are you tracking with me?

You’re probably like, “Cute story, but what’s this got to do with me?” I hear you — but for real, I think this little phrase might just be the secret sauce for surviving this season with your sanity (and your mom-relationship) still intact. 

Here’s the real deal, babe — your mama? She loves you more than life. Like, full-on mama bear status. But let’s flip the script for a sec…

Last year, you were crawling into her bed because you couldn’t sleep. This year? She breathes wrong and you’re out here acting like she cursed your entire bloodline. Like… what just happened?!

We’re over here trying to keep up with the plot twist! And don’t even get me started on the eye rolls, side-eye, or the Olympic-level sass.

The truth is — we want to see you thrive. We want you to have your freedom and feel like your own person. Believe it or not, we’re actually rooting for your independence!

We just need a second to catch our breath and figure out how to hand over the keys without you driving straight off a cliff, ya feel me? It’s a weird dance, but we’re doing our best to find the rhythm.

And we’re trying to do it with the most grace that we possibly can! 

Now, let me take a quick moment to share a real story with you…and maybe, just maybe this story will help you see both sides of the coin - as mother and daughter. 

So if you didn’t know, I’m a youth leader at my church in Castle Rock, and I get to hang out with the 6th grade girls every Sunday night. It’s seriously the best — like, highlight-of-my-week kind of thing… 

Anyway, this winter, I got to take them to the Young Life winter camp, and if you’ve never been — imagine the coziest camp vibes ever, but snowy. Like full-on winter wonderland with hot cocoa, beanies, snowball fights — chef’s kiss.

So, around that time, my oldest daughter was finally getting in her groove at youth group. 

She was starting to find her people, feel more confident, and I could tell she was craving a little more independence — which meant I had to start loosening the reins. Right? 

But when it came to camp, she wasn’t quite ready to go full solo. She didn’t want to ride the bus — she still felt safer riding up with me. So her and a few of her besties ditched the bus, signed the waivers, and we packed into my SUV for the coziest little mountain ride ever. 

But as soon as we pulled into camp? Girl vanished. Gone. Like, “Who even is this woman?” Literally you guys, ghosted me. Like poof — mom, who?

Honestly, I shouldn’t have been shocked — but girl, I totally was. That “I’m my own boss now” vibe? That “I’ve got this” energy she had when we pulled up? Yeah, that was the mood all weekend long. Every hour that passed, it’s like her independence got a power-up. She got a little taste of freedom and was like, “Mom, you can chill now.” Um you totally get it.

Well, let’s fast forward to Saturday night — the speaker invites campers to say “yes” to Jesus. And my daughter? Oh girl, she is so that girl. The one who will raise her hand every time. Like, if there’s an altar call, she’s there. Another chance to say yes to Jesus? You better believe she’s taking it.

Honestly, I can’t even laugh too hard because... same. 

I was that girl.

Altar call? Yup. 

Salvation moment? Yup. 

“Accept Jesus again just in case”? ABSOLUTELY.

Like, “What if the last one didn’t count?! Let’s lock it in again!” 

So yeah — Saturday night rolls around and, surprise surprise… she said YES. Again. 

And honestly? It was kind of the cutest thing ever. Even though it was probably her 38th time, right?

I was seriously feeling all the feels you guys. 

Like proud mom energy on steroids. 

I was ready to swoop her up into the biggest hug ever…until, I wasn’t. 

Yea. 

That super fierce independence vibe she was sporting all weekend? Was coming in HOT y’all. 

In fact, she was out there hugging every single youth leader like, “Yasss, celebrate me!” — but her mom?

She totally gave me the cold shoulder — like I was just background noise. And girl, my heart?

It felt like it shattered into a million little pieces. 

I was seriously bummed. 

Like, is a little “hey mom” really too much? 

Apparently, yes.

Nada. 

Zero.

Zilch. It’s OK. It’s ok. You can feel sorry. I felt sorry for myself, you guys! 

Anyway, that’s when it hit me — my little girl? 

Yeah, she’s not so little anymore. 

Not even a little bit. 

And even though I knew that, completely recognized that this was normal and appropriate, I was still low-key grieving. Like, such a huge loss AND, it it hit me like a total freight train! 

So Sunday finally rolls around and camp is wrapping up. Honestly? I was dreading seeing her.

I’d been giving her the cold shoulder just as much as she’d been giving me — and yep, she totally picked up on those vibes.

And of course, I knew that question was coming: “Mom, can we ride home on the bus?”

If I’m being real, my feelings won this round. 

Even though she totally could’ve gone, and I absolutely could have said yes, I told her no — said it wasn’t an option because everyone had signed the waiver and we had to stick to the plan.

But here’s the truth — deep down, I was clutching onto that last car ride like it was my last little bit of time with her. 

Because I knew. 

I just knew what was coming next, you guys. 

And…I wasn’t quite ready to say goodbye to my little girl just yet. I knew things were changing, and I just wasn’t ready for it.

Anyway, picture this: almost 3.5 hours in the car... and when I say it was a long ride, I mean it was a loooong ride. Like, painfully silent. I was chatting with everyone except her. And with every mile marker we passed, my heart just kept sinking a little deeper.

And, if I’m being honest… I couldn’t even put my finger on what exactly hurt the most. 

It wasn’t just about her soaking up that altar call moment without me. 

Or even the whole “I’m Miss Independent now” energy. 

It was more that I was completely caught off guard.

Like, I knew this season of growing up was coming… but still, when it hit? It hit hard.

Suddenly, this easy, sweet relationship between us started to feel… complicated. And that, my friends, is what wrecked me the most. 

Anyway, we finally pull into the driveway, and within 5 minutes — BOOM  — I lost it.

Like, not my best moment. At all.

I was running on maybe 2 hours of sleep across the whole weekend, had just driven nearly 4 hours, and had a monster migraine. Basically: I was a ticking time bomb... and yeah, I exploded.

She came back at me, I came back at her, and whew. The words flew. And they stung. And if I could rewind and do it all over? I would. But I can’t.

What I can say is this: the next 24 hours? They mattered. A lot.

And let me take a sec to give major props to my 12-year-old — because this girl handled herself like a champ.

Once we both cooled down (hello deep breaths and snacks), she opened up. 

She told me that a lot of what happened during the altar call wasn’t just about her and Jesus — it was kind of fueled by the pressure of what the other girls in her group were doing.

She was tired, overwhelmed, and in her words, just “wasn’t thinking super clearly.”

She told me she never meant to hurt me, and she apologized. Cue the tears.

And then I did the same. I told her I was honestly just sad. Sad that she’s growing up. That things are changing. That I didn’t know how to navigate it and totally flopped. I asked for forgiveness, and she gave it — like the absolute gem she is. 

So yeah. It was a beautiful moment of healing — but girl, it came with some real, raw bumps along the way.

And honestly? That whole weekend taught me something big.

Growing up — really growing up — isn’t just hard for daughters. It’s hard for moms too.

We’re both learning how to love in new ways. To give space. To stay connected even when things shift. 

It’s messy. 

It’s sacred. 

And it’s a journey we’re figuring out in real time.

Which brings me to what I want to do next.

Normally in this series, I’ve been writing to younger versions of me — little Kaase in all her awkward, people-pleasing, trying-to-figure-it-out phases.

But today? I want to flip the script.

Because this letter? It’s not for my past self.

It’s for you, babe. Straight from my heart to yours.

Yep, you — my beautiful, brave tween or teen girl tuning in every week, showing up, growing in your faith, navigating life with a whole lot of questions and maybe a slightly frazzled mom. 

And listen… I know it’s not always easy.

Especially when it comes to that one relationship that can feel extra tricky right now:

Mom.

So today’s letter?

It’s from me — a mom in the middle of this season — to you, the daughter walking through it.

It’s a heart-level, soul-hug of a letter meant to remind you: I see you. 

I feel for you. 

And I’m rooting for both of you.

Because girl, I’ve got big-time compassion for moms trying to raise daughters well…

But I’ve got just as much love and empathy for you — the daughter trying to grow up, gain independence, and still figure out how to let mom in just enough.

So deep breath.

Let’s talk about it. 

Dear Brave You — the girl tuning in every week, earbuds in, heart wide open, trying to grow in your faith while juggling school, friendships, hormones, and a mom who seems like she’s on a totally different planet lately. 

And girl, I know… this relationship with your mom? Whew. It can feel like A LOT.

She asks too many questions. She wants to know everything. She overreacts. She doesn’t get it. She tries to be cool and ends up cringey. And sometimes? You just wish she’d chill out and back off, right?

Trust me, I hear you.And in some ways? You’re not wrong.

But can I gently invite you to see something that might be a little hard to see on your own?

That mom who feels nosy or is “doing too much”? She’s just trying to hold on — not because she doesn’t trust you — but because she loves you deeply and is a little scared of losing you.

See, she used to be your safe place. Your whole world. You used to run to her with your scraped knees and scary dreams, and now… she barely gets a “hey” when you walk in the door.

That shift? It’s hard. For both of you.

And I want you to hear this, sweet girl: It’s okay to grow up. It’s good to become your own person.

But the way you treat your mom as you grow?

That matters. It matters to God.

The Bible says in Ephesians 6:1–2,

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother’—which is the first commandment with a promise.”

That doesn’t mean you’ll agree with her all the time.

It doesn’t mean she’s always right or that she always handles things perfectly. (Spoiler: she doesn’t. No one does.)

But “honor” isn’t about her perfection.

It’s about your posture.

It’s about choosing respect even when you feel frustrated. It’s about choosing empathy when she’s trying but still missing the mark. It’s about choosing grace — because isn’t that what you want when you mess up too?

Colossians 3:13 says,

“Bear with one another and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance… Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

Girl, that means being the first to soften your heart. It means not holding grudges or using sarcasm as a shield. It means learning to speak truth with love — even when your emotions feel loud.

So here’s my challenge for you as we wrap this season:What if you looked at your mom the way Jesus looks at you?

Not with judgment… but with compassion.Not expecting perfection… but recognizing effort.Not quick to snap… but quick to show kindness.

I’m not saying it’s easy. It’s not. But you were made for more than eye rolls and silent treatments and side-eye sass.

You were made to reflect Jesus — even in your own home.

So the next time she gets on your nerves or says the wrong thing or tries to talk when you’d rather scroll…Take a deep breath. Remember who you are. And choose grace.

Because I promise you — even when it doesn’t feel like it — she’s doing her best to love you well.

And so am I, girl. I’m cheering you on in this season and the next. You’re not alone, and your story? It’s just getting started.

With all the love,

Kaase 

Whew, girl — that one hit deep, huh? Anybody else feeling a little teary, a little tender… and maybe a smidge more ready to sprinkle some grace around like confetti? 

Listen, this isn’t a cakewalk — BUT I promise God sees your effort and He’ll meet you right there in the messy middle.

So go ahead, give it your best shot. You’ve got this, babe. And…I am cheering loud from the sidelines. It’s literally the only volume I know! FR. 

Alright — let’s land this plane. 

Deep breath girl. We made it. Thirty + episodes. Countless convos. A whole season of showing up, getting real, and growing together. And if you’re still here? That tells me something about you.

You’re hungry. Not just for advice or aesthetic inspo — but for truth. For something real. And more than anything, for Jesus.

So as we wrap up this final episode — and this whole season — let me leave you with this:

This stage of life? It’s wild.

You’re straddling childhood and womanhood, craving freedom but still needing guidance, trying to become you — but not lose connection with her (aka, Mom). That tension? It’s real.

And it’s holy ground.

But girl, this is exactly the space where God does His best work.

The Bible doesn’t tiptoe around hard things. It speaks right to the heart of them — especially in how we treat the people closest to us.

In fact, Exodus 20:12 isn’t a suggestion — it’s one of the Ten Commandments:

“Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”

Not “agree with everything they say.”Not “only be kind when they’re being cool.”

But honor.

Honor through your words.Honor in your attitude.Honor when it feels undeserved — because that’s when it reflects Jesus the most.

Remember when Jesus was hanging on the cross? In unthinkable pain, betrayed, abandoned — and what did He do?

He looked down and made sure His mom was taken care of (John 19:26–27).

Even in His suffering, He honored her.

Let that sink in.

And let that shape how you show up this week.

So here’s your challenge, brave girl:

• Say “thank you” before she even asks.

• Look up from your phone and make eye contact.

• Leave her a sticky note. A kind word. A soft smile.

• Let your gentleness be what she remembers most this week.

Because guess what? 

You’re not just a daughter.

You’re a disciple.

And how you treat your mom? That’s part of your worship.

You have the chance to be the light — right there in your own home.

And if that feels hard? Remember, you’re not doing it alone.

Philippians 4:13 reminds us:

“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”

Even this. Even honor. Even grace. Even letting go of the last word.

Oh, and hey — don’t keep this truth to yourself. 

If this episode stirred something in your heart, share it. 

Be bold and send it to a friend. 

Start that conversation. 

I’ll even help you out:

If you DM me and say, “I shared it!” I’ll send you FREE FR Let’s Talk stickers and some cute little QR cards to hand out to your squad.

You never know whose life might shift from just one episode.

Let’s make Season 1 go out with a bang — not just because it was fun, but because it was faithful.

So until we meet again — whether it’s in your earbuds, on a coaching call, or live and in person at your youth night — remember this:

You are wildly loved.

You are deeply seen.

And Jesus is not finished with your story.

Here’s to walking it out with grace and grit — one Spirit-led step at a time.

I love you so much babe. 

I’m legit going to miss you all these next 6-weeks but that will make our reunion EVEN sweeter.

Am I right?

Until next time, stay salty sis!