How to Empower Your Young Adult
Are you absolutely exhausted from worrying about your child’s future? Are you spinning your wheels trying to figure out the best ways to support them? One of the most difficult aspects of parenting is helping your child to navigate adulthood.
One of my clients desperately wanted to find the best program to set her son up for success. She knew in her heart she could help him, but his resistance was causing her sleepless nights.
I’ve helped other parents cope with children who are struggling with intense anxiety. Some are dealing with the high levels of stress associated with leaving home, picking a college, or trying to find a job that interests them. While it can be overwhelming and frustrating for the children, parents often find themselves carrying the burden.
When young adults are going through a difficult time, parents worry excessively about their future. To calm their own fears, they problem-solve by hijacking their child’s plans, which robs them of the opportunity to forge their own path.
When they don’t follow the path we’ve laid out, it’s perfectly natural to feel scared about their future. We ruminate on the “what if” scenarios which are really difficult to turn off. To calm our fears, we then tighten the reins in order to control the situation.
As our kids launch into adulthood, this involvement often backfires. To our children, it is annoying and intrusive. Arguments often ensue and they stop listening. Your frustration increases and exhaustion sets in.
The fact is we would do everything in our power to ensure our child’s path leads to success and happiness. It’s how we are wired. This comes from a place of love, wanting the very best for them.
If what you really want is a happy, independent, thriving young adult, it’s not your job to control them, but to guide them.
You can be there to listen and support them. You can even be their biggest cheerleader. But you are no longer directing the orchestra. You are in the background playing the tambourine and cheering them on.
By doing this, you will find relief from the exhausting, 24/7, worry. This weight off your shoulders will feel like a warm bath all over your soul. This will create a positive and peaceful environment where your child feels your confidence in them and thrives. This will boomerang back to you through open communication, gratefulness, and love.
Now, who doesn’t want that?
Let me share with you tools and strategies to end your exhaustion and create an environment where your young adult can be happy, independent, and thriving. You don’t have to do it alone. I am confident that by partnering together we will make it happen.
“The changes we dread most may contain our salvation.”
—Barbara Kingsolver
