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...

Let’s be honest—last summer? It nearly broke you.

The late nights.
The endless gaming.
The "I applied for jobs" with no follow-through.
The pile of laundry, wet towels, missed curfews, and constant tension.

You didn’t sign up to run Hotel Mom & Dad. And this year?
It’s going to be different.

But here...

Parents of 18- to 25-year-olds… this one’s for you.

There’s a truth I wish more parents could fully embrace. It’s not always easy to hear, but once you do—and really accept it—it will bring your stress levels down more than almost anything else.

Ready?

Your emerging adult is not going to do thing...

There’s a moment in many parenting journeys where things slowly shift—your emerging adult hits a tough season, and you step in to help.

Maybe they lost their job. Maybe they went through a breakup. Maybe their mental health took a turn.

You welcomed them home, offered space to recover, and hoped t...