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Parenting Adult Children Today

254 members โ€ข Free

7 contributions to Parenting Adult Children Today
Your Mother's Day guide is here, let's talk about it tomorrow!
Sunday is just a few days away. And we want to make sure you have what you need. Catherine created a free guide called "Getting Through Mother's Day When Your Heart Is Heavy." It covers what you might be feeling and why it's completely normal, how to plan the day intentionally, a self-compassion journaling exercise, and where to find support. DOWNLOAD YOUR MOTHER'S DAY GUIDE Catherine is also hosting a "Mother's Day Check-in" for those navigating a painful Mother's Day. Real conversation. A safe space: ๐Ÿ—“๏ธ Friday May 8, 2026 at 8:30pm EST/ 5:30pm PST You don't have to explain yourself to anyone this week. You just have to show up, here, with us, exactly as you are. ๐Ÿ™‚
5 likes โ€ข 3d
Wonderful guide. I wish I had reviewed it prior to the Friday talk by Catherine. I have started my gift of self pampering today (Saturday) with no expectations from anyone. I will also love on my mother whom I am blessed to still have and have a wonderful relationship with at 89.
Lessons from the Kentucky Derby
I am a Kentucky Derby fan. I was born in Louisville and although I grew up in Florida, I found myself going to the University of Louisville for both my bachelor and graduate degree. The city evolves around this one day every year, which usually has amazing stories filled dreams, hopes, and an unparalleled commitment by all those involved. This year was remarkable. The first ever female horse trainer won the Derby in 152 years and two brothers came in first and second. These are the things movies are made of and this one would be no different. Their accomplishments were not about overnight success but about a trainer and a jockey who had a dream of what could be. The horse found itself at the very back of the 18 horse field as the race began. Golden Tempo was not known to start strong in races and in this race, he would be up against his most fierce competition. However, the jockey and the trainer believed this horse had it in him to win. The trainer's last words of counsel to the jockey was "Don't get bunched up on the inside. Look for an opening and go for it." The jockey heeded her advice and one by one, he passed every horse. He found himself a neck in front of the "favored" horse to win the race. Golden Tempo's odds of winning were 23-1. What a sight to behold! As I was watching the race, I was reminded of what it can sometimes mean to be a parent. There are times when we feel like we are at the back of the pack, never knowing if we will see the finish line, much less win. We can get discouraged and overwhelmed by what we see in front of us when we compare ourselves to other parents. Yet, we need to follow the wisdom of the this trainer and jockey. Here are my summary of the lessons: 1. "Don't get bunched up" - In other words, don't focus on what others are doing or saying. This is your journey and what matters is that you do what you need to do and be who you need to be to get where you want to go. 2. Follow the doors that open for you - one step at a time. Most parent/child issues don't happen overnight and they don't get fixed that quickly either. 3. Your focus has to be on what you have the power to control. You no longer have the power to fix, change or manage your child and his or her behavior. What you do have is the ability to maximize who you are and how you show up with your child. 4. Keep your eye on the goal. What does a healthy relationship with your child look like to you? Write it down and get a vision of it in your heart so you are clear in what you are working on today. 5. Victory is not a one time thing but it made up of moments over and over again that reflect a mindset and determination to reach the goal. Both the trainer and the jockey have days where they win and lose, sometimes on the same day. What they don't do is quit. The review their horses strengths and weaknesses, their strategy on running the races, and take things into consideration (i.e., weather). As parents we would be smart to maintain a big picture perspective as we work on our relationships. We can't let a set back stop us from reaching the winner's circle.
2 likes โ€ข 7d
I must post your last sentence on my refrigerator: Saundra, dont let a set back stop you from reaching the winner's circle. I have been very encouraged this week. I have had the opportunity to put a couple of the keys in action, even though it was difficult: Donโ€™t ask a lot of questions and don't offer unsolicited advice. There was a little progress with my son and god daughter. I had to be satisfied with what they chose to share with me and not press for more. I resisted the urge to give step by step instructions. I even got a birthday text. I'm not fooling myself, however. I know that I am still walking on egg shells and that the relationships have the potential to go south as new situations arise. I must continue to stay the course and remain encouraged in the midst of setbacks. I truly appreciate this experience.
0 likes โ€ข 7d
@Catherine Hickem I think you asked us question during the webinar, about comparing ourselves with others, and asked us to share our response in the community. I said that when I share concerns about my AC and the person that I am sharing with responds that they don't have those issues with their AC, I feel stupid sometimes. It makes me feel that they have it all together and that I have totally dropped the ball. Another suggestion that I implemented that I think moved the ball forward with my AC was to just drop them a note. With my god child, I dropped her a few dollars as well, and she responded immediately with a "Thank You" after having not contact with her for weeks. That night, she ended up in the hospital. This gave my son the opportunity to really implement his new parenting skills. I simply texted him and asked him how HE was doing. He simply responded o.k., but tired. I simply responded that I hoped he would get some rest soon. Period! He called me a couple of days later. He didn't say much, but it was a cordial conversation.
Let's get together ๐Ÿ’›
Dear Community, big news ๐ŸŽŠ This June, we're getting together in person. Save the date: June 13 & 14, 2026 โ€” Boca Raton, Florida It's called Connect, Grow, & Thrive, LIVE! โ€” two days dedicated to one thing: a real breakthrough in the relationship with the adult child you love. Full details (agenda, venue, pricing, registration) are coming in the next few days. But before we open it up to everyone, we wanted to share it here first โ€” with the parents who've already been doing the work. Drop a comment below if you'd want to be there. Even a simple "interested" helps us plan the room. More soon ๐Ÿ’›
Let's get together ๐Ÿ’›
0 likes โ€ข 7d
Question: Lilian, What time zone is Chicago? Does the webinar start at 11 central?
Controlling
My daughter in law controls everything, including my son, and my grandchildren. I am only allowed to see them on their birthdays, two times a year, and Christmas. They all involve presents.
1 like โ€ข 7d
The feeling of being excluded while others are embraced is certainly painful. The grandchildren certainly miss out on a priceless relationship. My aunt controlled my uncle and kept my cousins from my grandmother (her mother-in-law) and his family for 62 years until his death last year. My grandmother never got the opportunity to know her granddaughters, but as middle-aged adults, my cousins are finally experiencing the love of their father's family. Unfortunately, it took their father's funeral and the love that we were finally able to shower on them to open the door. My prayer is that it will not take over a half century for your grands to experience your love. We just had to wait on father time.
Welcome to The P.A.R.E.N.T. Method!
Hello Parent, I am so excited you are here! We are going on a journey together that will help you create the relationship with your adult child you have always wanted. Parenting in this season is not for the faint of heart and I know from personal and professional experience what it takes to be a successful parent to adult kids. You are already ahead of the curve. You are here, hungry to learn, and wanting to grow! Your children are fortunate to have a parent like you who is teachable and willing to invest in your relationship with them. There is no ceiling on a parent who is committed to being the best version of themselves and you will learn on this journey how to be who your child needs you to be: Accepting, emotionally safe, and worthy of trust. Parenting is about you and how you show up in the relationship, not how your children turn out. This is your journey so take whatever time you need to walk through this framework. I have helped parents for over 40 years and I have implemented what you will see and hear with my own adult children, who are in their 40's. I will take you through this process step by step so you know exactly how to incorporate these skills and insights into your life. I want you to be kind to yourself as you start this process. There are millions of parents who have the same questions so take comfort in knowing you are not alone. The good news is that now you are a part of a community who will learn together how to parent adults with confidence and grace. Thanks again for being a part of the P.A.R.E.N.T. Method community. Let's get started! Warmly, Catherine
2 likes โ€ข 12d
Your remarks were so comforting.
1 like โ€ข 11d
@Karla Comberiate Thank you so much. I will do just that.
1-7 of 7
Saundra Gwinn
2
4points to level up
@saundra-gwinn-4306
Mother, caregiver, educator.

Active 13h ago
Joined Apr 28, 2026
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