Ep.510: A Checklist for Parenting Young Adults PART 2 with Krista Gilbert and Alex Kuykendall

You have controlled some aspect of your child's life their entire life and now you are expected to let go?! To let them make mistakes and decisions without you?! Yes and no. Yes to letting go and making decisions on their own. But you don't have to leave them completely alone. This is the fine line of parenting young adults, you are now the coach.

In the second part of this two-part conversation, Krista and Alex talk through some of the ways they are letting go as they launch young adults toward independence. There is no one, right way. However there are questions we can ask ourselves as we enter conversations and decisions with intention. What do we pay for? And for how long? Do we speak up if we see a red flag in a relationship? What about when they need to move back home?

We know that parenting young adults in today's world can feel a bit like running in the dark. We are here to say you are not alone and this is your moment to rise to meet the newest challenge of the day!

Phrases to use on your young adult

• That sounds really hard.
• I know you will make a thoughtful decision.
• I believe you will find the courage you need to get through this.
• You're made for good things and that doesn't change based on what happens today.
• I know this is your decision, I trust you'll figure it out and I am cheering for you.

Quotes

"Adolescents may also share what's on their minds as a way to spill their jumbled thoughts on the table where they can survey and perhaps organize them. Adults can help create the space teenagers need to do this. So long as we remember to listen without interrupting and hold back from adding our own thoughts to the pile. Much of what bothers teenagers cannot be solved. We can't fix their broken hearts, prevent their social dramas, or do anything about the fact that they have three huge tests scheduled for the same day. But having a problem is not nearly so bad as feeling utterly alone with it." Lisa Demore

1. How can you take on more of a coaching role with your young adult?
2. What part of your relationship could use some clarity and how can you be kind through clarity this week?
3. How can you encourage your young adult to create a web of supportive relationships?
4. How can you live your faith out authentically in front of the young adults in your life?

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