There’s a message some parent out there needs to hear right now:

Stop forcing your emerging adult to be someone they’re not.

Letting Go of Expectations

You’ve likely invested years preparing your child for college. From academic support to extracurriculars to emotional pep talks, you built a life...

“My son literally hasn’t showered in weeks. He’s up all night gaming and sleeps all day. He refuses to get a job. He doesn’t even think it’s a problem. He lives on energy drinks and he’s making himself sick.”

If this sounds like your house, you’re not alone. I hear from parents every day facing thi...

Something I don’t think parents understand…but is vitally important…is this:

The quality of your relationship often dictates the level of your emerging adult’s cooperation.

Let that sink in.

Think about it…

If they’re not emotionally invested in the relationship with you, why would they wash the...

A parent recently wrote to me:

“We have a 23-year-old daughter who’s living with us again after lying about attending university. She’s since come clean, is working two jobs, and trying to start fresh. She owes us for months of expenses while she wasn’t really in school. Should we ask her to pay us...

When your emerging adult stumbles, it’s instinctual:
You want to rush in.
To help.
To soften the blow.
To protect them from pain.

They didn’t get into the college they dreamed of.
They’re reeling from a breakup.
They made a huge mistake and now have to face the consequences.

And you—being the loving, in...

It’s one of the most common—and most awkward—questions I get from parents:
"If my adult child is living at home and not paying rent… do I have the right to search their room?"

The short answer?
Yes.
But there’s a longer, more thoughtful answer that matters even more.

Let me walk you through a real-li...