LAUNCH: Parenting Tips for Raising Adult Children & Building Better Relationships

Welcome to LAUNCH! Today, my esteemed guest is Dr. Jerry Weichman, a clinical psychologist, adolescent specialist, and parenting expert who has spent the last 27 years helping more than 6,500 families navigate some of the toughest challenges young people face today, from anxiety, depression, low self esteem, gaming addiction and more. He's the founder of the Weichman Clinic, and the creator of the podcast Raising Families with Dr. Jerry. In today's conversation, Dr. Jerry sh...

Today's episode is a little different than what you're used to. It's for those of you who have been hurt by a parent, and carry the quiet, painful ache of knowing that an apology is probably never coming and how you can move forward, without repeating the toxic cycle with your own children. My guest Paula Yost calls this the Apology Ache. That deep, lingering hurt from a parent who has wounded you, and you have to accept that they are never going to acknowledge it. In fact often times, ...

For any parent whose ever wondered whether their adult child has a video gaming addiction, and if so how they can help, this episode is for you. What may have started off as just a harmless activity turns into an all-consuming, socially withdrawn activity, where showering and eating are secondary to gaming and day/night reversal have become a way of life. Their bedrooms are their fortress, and their parents are not welcome. In this candid episode, 30-year-old Jake Uskoski shares...

Many parents of adult children feel powerless and think they've tried everything. Yet somehow, nothing has worked. The years have gone by and their adult child is still in the same place; at home, unmotivated, lacking confidence, and living without purpose, while everyone around them seems to be moving forward. In today’s short episode, I want to share something more personal with you. I’m going to explain why I am dedicating my time to guiding parents of young adults who are struggling and w...

If your adult child is stuck, unmotivated, anxious, avoiding responsibility, and still heavily dependent on you, this episode asks a question most parents are afraid to consider: Can overprotective parenting impact a young adult’s ability to launch confidently into adulthood? In this conversation, we unpack what helicopter parenting is and if there's any correlation between that style of parenting and a young adults inability to move forward. Or is there more to it? This episode is not about ...

In 2015, I picked up a book, read the back cover and instantly it resonated with me. As a mom raising kids of my own, I knew how easy it was to slide into the role of the overprotective mama bear, wanting to shield my babies from any discomfort. But I also knew that doing that would come at a cost. Wanting to raise resilient, confident, independent adults who could function in the world on their own was always my intention but it wasn't going to be easy. I had to be strong. And in fact ...

Today I’m joined by Susan Raphael, an addiction and mental health clinician in private practice for over 20 years. Susan works closely with individuals, parents, and families navigating substance abuse, mental health challenges, and recovery. In this conversation, Susan shares her own personal story of addiction and recovery, bringing a powerful and honest perspective to the work she does with families every day. This episode is for any parent living with an adult child who is str...

In this episode of LAUNCH, I sit down with Neal Solomon, Registered Social Worker, for one of the most honest conversations that parents of young adults need to hear. We talk openly about the real pain points parents are living in, the hard truths and why so many families feel stuck despite good intentions. We dig into what is actually going on with today’s youth, where responsibility and boundaries fit into the picture, and how fear, guilt, and over-accommodation quietly keep everyone stuck....

Do you want to know why you can't set boundaries without coming across as controlling, bossy or even disappointed? It's because with every attempt, it sounds like you're trying to tell them what to do, which drives them nuts, so you've given up. The problem is that most parents confuse boundaries with rules or threats and that's exactly why they don't work. But I have the solution. If you've tried setting boundaries with your adult children only to be ignored, dismissed, or met wi...

Have you've ever wondered if your relationship with your parents shaped how you show up as a parent today? If so, you'll find this episode very interesting. I sat down with Marc Cameron, author of Understanding Your Attachment Style: The Path to Overcoming Unhelpful Patterns and Building Healthy Secure Relationships to explore how parents attachment patterns shape their relationships with their children. Attachment theory explains how our earliest relationships shape the way we co...

If your adult child is struggling to make friends, feels socially anxious, avoids real-life interactions, or seems unsure how to build meaningful connections, this episode will give you clarity and direction. Many parents assume social skills are something young adults simply pick up, but the truth is that these skills must be understood, taught, and practiced in real life. Social skills are so important. They shape confidence, emotional wellbeing, communication, relationships, and ulti...

In this episode, we’re talking about the power of community, and why helping your adult child reconnect with others may be one of the most transformative steps you can take because the research is clear: meaningful relationships are the strongest predictors of happiness, mental well-being and longevity. You’ll learn what decades of studies reveal about why social connection matters so deeply, and more importantly, 5 ways that you can help your adult child step out of isolation and start build...

Today marks one year that this podcast was born and I am celebrating it with a very special guest. In this heartfelt episode, a 25-year-old young adult shares her honest insight into what it’s really like to grow up today, the challenges, the pressures, the mental energy, the importance of communication, self-care, friendships, therapy and most importantly what young adults need from their parents to feel seen, supported, and understood. Often times, the deepest truths come from the peo...