Parenting your adult child

April 17, 2026 - 01:41

The challenges of parenting don't simply end when children reach adulthood, a reality many families are grappling with today. According to best-selling author and keynote speaker Simone Knego, the transition to parenting grown children presents a unique set of complexities that require a shift in approach.

Knego emphasizes that the fundamental role of a parent evolves, but the emotional ties and concerns remain deeply felt. The difficulty often lies in redefining the relationship from one of direct management to one of supportive guidance. This phase can involve stepping back to allow adult children to make their own decisions and learn from their own mistakes, which many parents find profoundly tough.

The key, she suggests, is learning to establish healthy boundaries while maintaining an open and respectful connection. It involves moving from a position of authority to one of a trusted advisor, offering support when asked rather than unsolicited direction. This new dynamic requires patience, communication, and a mutual understanding that the parent-child bond is enduring, even as its expression changes. Successfully navigating this stage can ultimately lead to a richer, more mature relationship between parents and their adult children.