In this episode of the Happy Families Podcast, Justin and Kylie tackle a tricky parenting dilemma: how to support your adult child without damaging the relationship. Responding to a listener's concern about her 20-year-old daughter's social media presence, they explore the importance of autonomy, the dangers of forceful guidance, and how parents can remain a supportive influence while respecting boundaries.

KEY POINTS:


Adult children crave autonomy; unsolicited advice often creates resistance.


Connection, not correction, is the key to long-term influence.


Dropping the parental agenda fosters openness and trust.


Seek consent before offering advice to show respect and preserve the relationship.


Employers do check social media – nearly 70% of them, according to the Harvard Business Review.


When you share concerns respectfully, you plant seeds that may grow later.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:
“Our kids, especially our young adults, want autonomy more than anything – it’s like oxygen to them.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED:


Harvard Business Review statistic: ~70% of employers check candidates’ social media.


Happy Families Podcast – Submit tricky questions via happyfamilies.com.au/podcast

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:


Let go of the agenda – Accept that your adult child will make their own choices.


Prioritise connection – Build trust through presence, interest, and nonjudgmental conversation.


Ask for permission – Before giving advice, say: “Would you be open to hearing a thought I have?”


Share perspective, not prescriptions – Offer insights gently and leave space for reflection.


Respect autonomy – Even when it’s hard, show you trust their ability to learn from experience.

In this episode of the Happy Families Podcast, Justin and Kylie tackle a tricky parenting dilemma: how to support your adult child without damaging the relationship. Responding to a listener's concern about her 20-year-old daughter's social media presence, they explore the importance of autonomy, the dangers of forceful guidance, and how parents can remain a supportive influence while respecting boundaries.
KEY POINTS:
<ul data-start="588" data-end="1063">
<li data-start="588" data-end="667">
Adult children crave autonomy; unsolicited advice often creates resistance.
</li>
<li data-start="668" data-end="734">
Connection, not correction, is the key to long-term influence.
</li>
<li data-start="735" data-end="795">
Dropping the parental agenda fosters openness and trust.
</li>
<li data-start="796" data-end="882">
Seek consent before offering advice to show respect and preserve the relationship.
</li>
<li data-start="883" data-end="984">
Employers do check social media &ndash; nearly 70% of them, according to the Harvard Business Review.
</li>
<li data-start="985" data-end="1063">
When you share concerns respectfully, you plant seeds that may grow later.
</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE: &ldquo;Our kids, especially our young adults, want autonomy more than anything &ndash; it&rsquo;s like oxygen to them.&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
<ul data-start="1223" data-end="1423">
<li data-start="1223" data-end="1311">
Harvard Business Review statistic: ~70% of employers check candidates&rsquo; social media.
</li>
<li data-start="1312" data-end="1423">
Happy Families Podcast &ndash; Submit tricky questions via <a href="https://www.happyfamilies.com.au" data-start="1367" data-end="1423">happyfamilies.com.au/podcast</a>
</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:
<ol data-start="1457" data-end="1961">
<li data-start="1457" data-end="1546">
Let go of the agenda &ndash; Accept that your adult child will make their own choices.
</li>
<li data-start="1547" data-end="1651">
Prioritise connection &ndash; Build trust through presence, interest, and nonjudgmental conversation.
</li>
<li data-start="1652" data-end="1757">
Ask for permission &ndash; Before giving advice, say: &ldquo;Would you be open to hearing a thought I have?&rdquo;
</li>
<li data-start="1758" data-end="1859">
Share perspective, not prescriptions &ndash; Offer insights gently and leave space for reflection.
</li>
<li data-start="1860" data-end="1961">
Respect autonomy &ndash; Even when it&rsquo;s hard, show you trust their ability to learn from experience.
</li>
</ol>

The Happy Families Podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now. Every day Justin and his wife Kylie provide practical tips and a common sense approach to parenting that Mums and Dads all over the world are connecting with. Justin and Kylie have 6 daughters and they regularly share their experiences of managing a busy household filled with lots of challenges and plenty of happiness. For real and practicable advice from people who understand and appreciate the challenges of a time poor parent, listen to Justin and Kylie and help make your family happier.

The Happy Families Podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now. Every day Justin and his wife Kylie provide practical tips and a common sense approach to parenting that Mums and Dads all over the world are connecting with. Justin and Kylie have 6 daughters and they regularly share their experiences of managing a busy household filled with lots of challenges and plenty of happiness. For real and practicable advice from people who understand and appreciate the challenges of a time poor parent, listen to Justin and Kylie and help make your family happier.

The Happy families podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now.

Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

#1240 - Connection & Guidance For Your Adult Child

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/c6c44315-1f34-4b36-8ec2-b2c800d45c42/transcript