Parenting doesn’t stop when children grow up. It often becomes more complex as adult children face life challenges, such as financial instability, mental health struggles, or relationship issues.

For many parents, the instinct to react—whether with frustration, advice, or judgment—can unintentionally widen the emotional gap. As a parenting coach, I see firsthand that when parents learn to manage their reactivity and focus on empathy and validation, they foster deeper connections and help their adult children feel seen and supported.

Reacting emotionally to a child’s struggles often stems from a parent’s fears or unmet needs. For instance, Lisa,........

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