Hello !
As summer winds down and families prepare for new routines, I’ve been reflecting on what it means to parent older teens and young adults. If you’ve found yourself navigating this stage of parenting, you know it’s a whole new world—one that brings both pride and uncertainty. Our children are making bigger decisions, seeking more independence, and sometimes,
pushing boundaries we never imagined. It can feel like walking a tightrope: wanting to guide them, while also letting them find their own way.
When Parenting Grows Up
Many parents tell me they feel a little lost during this transition. The old playbook—setting rules, managing schedules, offering advice—isn’t always effective anymore. Our role shifts from managing to mentoring, and sometimes, simply being present as a steady, supportive voice.
The stakes can feel higher, and the outcomes less certain.
How to Stay Connected (and Sane) as Your Kids Grow Up
- Listen more than you speak: Young adults want to be heard, not fixed. Try asking open-ended questions and let them share their thoughts without jumping in with solutions.
- Respect their autonomy: It’s natural to worry, but allowing them to make their own choices (and mistakes) is part of their
growth—and yours.
- Set boundaries for yourself: You’re still allowed to have limits, even as your children become adults. Clear communication about expectations can prevent misunderstandings.
- Offer support, not rescue: Be a sounding board and a cheerleader, but resist the urge to solve every problem for them. Trust that you’ve given them tools to figure things out.
- Take care of you: This stage can bring up feelings of loss
or uncertainty about your own next chapter. Make time for your interests, friendships, and personal growth.
Growing Together
Parenting older teens and young adults is a journey of letting go and growing alongside them. It’s not always easy, but it can be deeply rewarding. If you’re looking for more support, guidance, or a community of parents who understand these unique challenges, my new online course was designed just for you. This program will
offer practical tools and real-life strategies, while leaving plenty of space for your own wisdom and experience.
For more details on the course, click here
You don’t have to figure this out alone.
With loving
support,
Linda
