Every now and then, I get a message from a parent that really hits a nerve, and shines a light on a different kind of parenting challenge. It goes something like this:

“My 20-year-old didn’t go to college, has struggled with a few jobs, but finally landed an office job he loves. That’s the good new...

Parents, if you’re still waking your emerging adult up every morning for work, I need to lovingly challenge you on that.

I understand the fear.
You’re thinking, “If I don’t wake them, they’ll lose their job.”
And yes, they might.

But if you are the only reason they’re getting to work on time, then l...

“For God’s sake… how many more speeding tickets are we going to cover?
How many more treatment centers, therapists, or attorney fees are we going to pay for?”

Maybe you’ve said something like this to your spouse.
Maybe you’ve heard it said to you.

And maybe, underneath that frustration, is the deep...

Let me be clear:
If you’re still trying to consequence your emerging adult like they’re 12, it’s not going to work.

Taking away their phone?
Hiding the gaming console?
Threatening to shut off the Wi-Fi?

These aren’t parenting strategies. They’re power struggles, and they don’t move your emerging adul...

Your emerging adult tells you they’ll apply for jobs.
They promise to do the dishes they left piled in the sink.
They even agree to pick up the damp towel soaking into the brand-new carpet in their bedroom.

And then… nothing.

Sound familiar?

It’s one of the most frustrating experiences for parents ...

One of the most common, and heartbreaking, patterns I see in parents of struggling emerging adults is this: they don’t trust themselves anymore.

When your son or daughter is facing mental health challenges or substance use issues, it’s easy to get swept up in fear. You question your instincts. You ...