Learning from Empty Nesters
Today, Amy Lowe and Emily Alters sit down with two incredible parents who have launched their kids into adulthood and are now navigating the empty nest season—Jeff Stryker and Lynn Alters. Between them, Jeff and Lynn bring decades of parenting wisdom to the table. Both of their families have deep roots at WinShape Camps, with kids who spent summers growing up at camp and are now faithfully following Jesus in their own unique callings. These two empty nesters reflect on their parenting journeys—sharing both meaningful wins and honest missteps—and offer practical advice and encouragement for moms and dads still in the thick of it. Whether you’re raising little ones or teenagers, their insight brings encouragement and perspective for the road ahead.
Parenting truth we’re holding onto today: You won’t do everything perfectly—but being intentional, present, and Christ-centered matters more than you think.
Plus: Don’t miss what Jeff and Lynn are still learning—even after raising kids into adulthood.
Timestamps | Learning from Empty Nesters
(1:40) Guest Introduction – Jeff Stryker
(3:33) Guest Introduction – Lynn Alters
(5:12) Guests us about their kids and where they are at now.
(8:34) Guests share about their connection to WinShape Camps.
(14:45) Looking back, what are a couple things you did right that really seemed to stick with your kids when it came to owning their faith?
(15:45) “We always wanted to be the house that people loved coming to.”
(17:40) Even at a great Christian School, kids still have to make their own choices.
(21:27) Family dinners at the table together are a point of connection.
(24:44) What are a couple things that you didn’t do right or didn’t turn out well and how might you encourage our listeners to not make the same mistake?
(27:43) The parenting game changes entirely once they have keys to a car.
(29:34) What piece of advice would you give our parents listening who are still in the middle of raising their kids?
(30:30) When you’re in the thick of parenting, you forget how fast it’s all going to go.
(32:48) “You have permission to stay in their [your kids’] business.”
(34:11) Questions of the week.
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