#28 Stop Walking on Eggshells and Start Parenting With Confidence
Walking on eggshells, afraid to set boundaries, worried about pushing your young adult too hard and constantly second-guessing yourself is EXHAUSTING. There’s got to be a better way. It might sound cliché, but there are so many parents who are in the same boat as you, trying to do the right thing for their young adult, but nothing is working. Maybe it’s not what you’re doing, but how you’re doing it. You’ve lost your power. Your self confidence as a parent is non-existent. You live in constant fear of upsetting them and you know what? They can tell. In this episode, I’m joined by my new friend and parenting coach Kim Muench. Back in Episode 19, she shared her personal story about her son’s struggle with alcohol addiction. If you haven’t listened yet, I encourage you to. You’ll find it incredibly inspiring. This time, Kim and I are talking about a different topic, one that touches every parent with an adult child who is struggling. When our children aren’t happy, we aren’t either. We want to help, but we don’t know how. The answers however, are not as elusive as you think.The problem is you’ve lost your confidence. In it’s place is fear, worry, and this gut-wrenching sense of helplessness. But today’s conversation might change all that. So go for a walk, or find a quiet space and join Kim and I as we share our stories, reflect on how we were parented, and offer the insight and tools that can help you start parenting with confidence.The full interview is available on YouTube. Here's the link: https://youtu.be/ZIjhVEYjLcYIf this episode resonated with your, we'd love to know! Remember to share this with someone who might need to hear it. And, hit the Follow button so you never miss an episode. Do you want to know if your adult child is struggling with Failure to Launch? Grab the free Failure to Launch Checklist here: https://parentingfx.com/pages/ftl-checklist For a complimentary 15 minute consultation, email: Shari@ParentingFX.com Click here to receive Shari's Free LAUNCH Advice Newsletter 🎙️Remember to hit the SUBSCRIBE button so you never miss an episode. Shari can be found on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. Follow her for Real Talk, No BS Parenting Tips. Search for: @sharijonaslifefx
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1:20:55
#27: WARNING: This Could Make You a Better Parent—If You’re Brave Enough to Listen (to Them)
"I hate you! You're the worst Mom in the world!" Did you ever say that to your parent when you were a kid? Or maybe you were on the receiving end; watching your 5-year-old, arms crossed, storming off in protest because you wouldn’t let them bring their stuffed animal to school. They’ll get over it, you thought. And they did.Fast forward 20 years, no more plush toys, no more explosive dramatics. Just silence. You have no idea what’s going on inside their head. They're quiet now. Almost all the time. Except when they want something. You can’t help but wonder if they even like you. That look on their face when you ask them to do something, you'd think it was physically grueling work. Put your towels in the hamper – that’s all. Do you ever wonder what your adult child thinks of you? What do they say about you behind your back? Are you still “the worst parent in the world” - but for different reasons? You can spend the next 5 years or 50 years, never knowing, or maybe you’ll find out when they tell you their therapists thinks you've traumatized their childhood. Maybe they've traumatized your parenthood, you think. Not out loud of course. Here’s the truth, so brace yourself. You will never truly have a meaningful and authentic relationship with your adult child if you don’t know how they really feel about you, as their parent. If you're ready… this episode is for you. Do you want to know if your adult child is struggling with Failure to Launch? Grab the free Failure to Launch Checklist here: https://parentingfx.com/pages/ftl-checklist For a complimentary 15 minute consultation, email: Shari@ParentingFX.com Click here to receive Shari's Free LAUNCH Advice Newsletter 🎙️Remember to hit the SUBSCRIBE button so you never miss an episode. Shari can be found on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. Follow her for Real Talk, No BS Parenting Tips. Search for: @sharijonaslifefx
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#26: What Happens When You Meet Your Kids Where They Are: One Mom’s Inspiring Journey Raising Neurodivergent Children—and Powerful Lessons for All Parents
What does it really mean to "meet your kids where they are"—and what happens when you do? Every single child is unique. Correction. Every human being is unique. The difference is, a child has a better chance of holding onto their uniqueness, discovering their individual strengths, and walking their own path, if they have a parent who is willing to nurture that. Many adults are too far gone. (Sorry for my brutal honesty). They've been immersed in the expectations and timelines of a society that doesn't favor diversity. Conformity has ruled their lives for so long. And unfortunately they expect their children to do the same. But if you are a parent like my guest Anita Allen, you embrace your children and meet them where they are, with your whole heart.In this episode, I asked my guest very personal questions, and held space for her to share her inspiring parenting journey with us. I truly appreciated listening to how Anita learned to ignore timelines, trust her instincts, and support her children’s unique paths of self-discovery, growth and independence - on their terms. Believe me, every parent can learn something from Anita.Whether you're raising a neurodivergent child or a neurotypical one - and the differences will be made very clear in this episode, Anita’s beautiful insights will stay with you. Maybe they'll even inspire you. If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re doing enough, doing too much or doing what's right for your child—this episode is for you. I am so grateful that I was able to get to know Anita. I hope you listen to her, right till the end, because it just gets better and better. Finally, if you know someone who can benefit from Anita's experience and her parenting approach please share this. It could change a child's life. ___________________________________________________How to Connect With Anita AllenEmail: Hello@anitaallen.caWebsite: www.anitaallen.caHorse Among Zebras: anitaallen.substack.com_________________________________________________________Do you want to know if your adult child is struggling with Failure to Launch? Grab the free Failure to Launch Checklist here: https://parentingfx.com/pages/ftl-checklist For a complimentary 15 minute consultation, email: Shari@ParentingFX.com Click here to receive Shari's Free LAUNCH Advice Newsletter 🎙️Remember to hit the SUBSCRIBE button so you never miss an episode. Shari can be found on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. Follow her for Real Talk, No BS Parenting Tips. Search for: @sharijonaslifefx
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1:07:22
#25: Stop Comparing Your Kid: The Key to Helping Your Adult Child Discover Themself
Do you find yourself wondering why your adult child hasn’t reached the milestones others seem to have hit already—college, career, independence? Maybe you’re hearing other parents talk about their thriving young adults while you’re silently thinking, “Why is mine still stuck?”Here’s the hard truth: comparing your child to their peers, siblings or even your own expectations isn’t helping them. And while it might come from a place of love and concern, it often lands as disapproval, disappointment, and pressure.In this powerful episode, I’ll walk you through:The Comparison Trap and it's silent message The ways it damages your child’s self-worth and motivationWhy it’s so common to compare, especially when you’re worried they aren't “launching” into adulthoodWhat to say and do instead that actually helps build confidence and growthHow to reconnect with your adult child by seeing them on their timeline—not yours or anyone else’s. If your adult child is still living at home, struggling to find their path—this episode will help you shift out of comparison mode and into connection and self-discovery. It’s time to start appreciating and empowering them for who they are, their unique qualities and individual strengths —because progress starts with a new perspective, having "fresh eyes" on the late bloomer that is your child. Here are the 2 online personality surveys mentioned in the episode:VIA Character Strengths Survey - https://www.viacharacter.org/Clifton Strengths - https://shorturl.at/Yik0QDo you want to know if your adult child is struggling with Failure to Launch? Grab the free Failure to Launch Checklist here: https://parentingfx.com/pages/ftl-checklist For a complimentary 15 minute consultation, email: Shari@ParentingFX.com Click here to receive Shari's Free LAUNCH Advice Newsletter 🎙️Remember to hit the SUBSCRIBE button so you never miss an episode. Shari can be found on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. Follow her for Real Talk, No BS Parenting Tips. Search for: @sharijonaslifefx
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23:28
#24: What Are the Signs Your Adult Child Is Addicted to Video Games? One Mom’s Powerful Story and What You Can Do to Help
When my kid first started playing video games, it was a great way for them to unwind. It also gave me peace of mind, knowing they were staying out of trouble. At the time, it didn’t seem like a problem, they still had other activities in their life, and they only played a few hours a day. But now it’s all my adult child wants to do, it’s all they talk about, and the only friends they spend time with are the ones on the other end of their headset. I’m really beginning to worry. I’ve tried everything, but nothing I say matters. I can’t stop wondering; is my child is addicted to video games? What are the signs? And, how can I help them?If this sounds like the voice in your head, this episode will give you the clarity and answers that you are seeking. I’m joined by my guest Elaine Uskoski, a mother who lived through the nightmare of her son’s video game addiction. In this deeply personal and eye-opening conversation, Elaine shares what it was like to watch her adult child spiral into isolation, anxiety, and dependency. She opens up about the warning signs she didn’t recognize at first, the difficult decisions she had to make, and how she was able to overcome this challenging period in her family’s life. Her journey through this crisis didn’t just change her son’s life—it transformed hers. Today, Elaine is a passionate advocate and coach for other parents facing the same battle, helping them navigate the complex world of video game addiction and screen overuse.If you’ve been questioning whether your adult child’s gaming has gone too far and you are ready to get them help, this episode is your chance to hear from someone who’s been there. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Help is available.Please share this video with someone who might need to hear it.About My GuestElaine Uskoski is an award-winning, internationally recognized speaker who specializes in raising awareness about video gaming addiction. Her journey into this field began in 2014, when her youngest son, Jake, developed a severe gaming addiction while away at university—a crisis so serious, it nearly cost him his life.With a background in social services and holistic health, Elaine created a personalized recovery plan that helped Jake heal—and that life-altering experience became the catalyst for her work as a Parenting Coach helping other families who are dealing with their children’s compulsive gaming behavior.She’s the author of two impactful books: Seeing Through the Cracks and Cyber Sober: A Caregiver’s Guide to Video Gaming Addiction. Elaine has been featured on many major media outlets, and most recently received the Silver Award in Therapy & Counseling for her outstanding work dedicated to video gaming addiction at a global summit for Women in Business. How to reach Elaine UskoskiEmail: elaineuskoski@gmail.comCell: 226-337-2070Media - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyErmDsuBo0Elaine's Website - https://eyespyhealth.ca/Do you want to know if your adult child is struggling with Failure to Launch? Grab the free Failure to Launch Checklist here: https://parentingfx.com/pages/ftl-checklist For a complimentary 15 minute consultation, email: Shari@ParentingFX.com Click here to receive Shari's Free LAUNCH Advice Newsletter 🎙️Remember to hit the SUBSCRIBE button so you never miss an episode. Shari can be found on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. Follow her for Real Talk, No BS Parenting Tips. Search for: @sharijonaslifefx
About LAUNCH: Parenting Tips for Raising Adult Children & Building Better Relationships
If you’re a parent of a young adult, are these questions keeping you up at night; How can I become the best parent to my kids? How can I improve my communication with them? How can we connect better? How can I help them to become more confident, resilient and independent? What can I do to motivate them? Why don't they respect me? Why don't they want to hang out with me? If you're searching for these answers, this podcast is for you. I'm Shari Jonas and this is LAUNCH. Where I offer honest, no BS parenting tips that will help you to raise your adult child with confidence (regardless of whether they're living with you or on their own) and become the best parent you can be. I address the most relevant, challenging and deeply personal issues that parents are facing with their young adults. Each episode offers real-life stories, research-based strategies, and no BS advice that will help you to become the parent that your adult child ALWAYS turns to, someone they love to spend time and, someone who will guide them to becoming confident, resilient, independent and capable of thriving in the world. Join me each week as I tell it like it is. No sugar coating. Real talk. Let's face it, parenting can be hard work, especially because we're figuring it out every day. We're learning as we go, and we can always be better. I hope to inspire you, give you the confidence you need to connect with them, and to educate you when you need a little guidance. Sometimes I have amazing guests, other times, it's just me; a Mom of 2 grown kids, who practically raised my children alone. As an educator, author and parenting consultant, I know what it takes to build incredible relationships, while guiding them through life's challenges, and I want to share it all with you. If you're ready to help your young adult overcome obstacles, while becoming the best parent you can be, listen in to LAUNCH: Parenting Tips for Raising Adult Children & Becoming Better ParentsRemember to Subscribe, so you never miss an episode. You can find me on social media if you want to see snippets of what I believe in and practice. Just look for @sharijonaslifefx on Instagram, TikTok and Youtube. Of course you can email me for questions, consultations or just to say hi!Shari@ParentingFX.com
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