It’s no secret that adult children face various challenges as they navigate life’s complexities. While some struggles are visible—like career setbacks or financial difficulties—others can be more subtle, residing in the mind as persistent, negative thoughts. As I have seen in my coaching of parents and adult children, these thought patterns can keep adult children stuck in cycles of self-doubt and frustration.

For concerned parents, understanding these common negative thoughts and knowing how to offer support can make all the difference. My book 10 Days to a Less Defiant Child describes how self-limiting beliefs prevent adult children from thriving. Let’s explore four prevalent self-limiting beliefs, with examples and tips on how parents can help their adult children combat them.

This thought often creeps in when life doesn’t unfold according to plan. Whether it's losing a job, not achieving the expected career milestones, or going through a breakup, the belief that “I’m a failure” can quickly take hold. It’s a form of all-or-nothing thinking, where setbacks are seen as permanent judgments of worth rather than temporary challenges.

Example: David, 28, recently lost his job in marketing due to company downsizing. He’s struggling to find new work, and as each day passes, he becomes more convinced that he’s not cut........

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