Ep.515: Parenting in the Next Chapter - Shifting Your Role as Kids Grow Up with Catherine Hickem

Parenting doesn’t stop when our kids turn 18, but it sure does change. In this episode, we’re talking about what it really looks like to navigate the young adult years with these children we love so much.

We dig into that tricky shift, moving from the role of “director” to more of a “guide on the side.” You’ll hear honest insights about letting go, building trust, and learning how to communicate in a way that actually works for this new season.

It’s not always easy, especially when every instinct tells you to jump in and fix things, but there’s real beauty when we step back, trust our kids’ choices, and cheer them on.

Joining us for this episode is Catherine Hickem, a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, and the founder of Parenting Adult Children Today. With over 40 years of experience in parenting and therapy, Catherine is dedicated to equipping parents with the tools needed to love and support their adult children effectively.

If you’re ready to build healthier, stronger connections with your adult kids (and maybe even enjoy the ride a little more), this conversation is for you.

Catherine Hickem – Website and Instagram

1. Is there an expectation you need to grieve when it comes to your adult children inorder to enter with curiosity into their lives?
2. What would a pause or a statement look like if you don't know how to respond?
3. Is there a conversation that needs to be had, in order to move forward with a young adult child?
4. Is there any anger you need to get underneath and what fear or sadness lies underneath that anger?

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