He quit. He won’t help. And now the resentment is building.

When your adult child refuses to launch, it’s easy to label it as entitlement—but what if that’s not the real problem?

In this episode, we unpack what’s really going on for young men who feel stuck… and how to support them without enabling the behaviour that’s driving you crazy.

KEY POINTS
Why more young men are disengaging from work, study, and responsibility
The difference between supporting and enabling
The “low bar” that actually sets kids apart in the real world
How to have productive conversations without triggering defensiveness
The 3-step framework: Explore, Explain, Empower
Why gentle reminders work better than constant conflict
How accountability builds motivation (without nagging)

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“You don’t have to have it all figured out—but you do have to be doing something.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED
Boys: Building Strong Young Men from the Inside Out by Dr Justin Coulson

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Start with curiosity, not criticism: ask what’s really going on
Set clear expectations for contribution at home
Replace lectures with short, calm reminders
Hold weekly check-ins: what worked, what didn’t, what’s next
Focus on effort and progress, not perfect direction

He quit. He won&rsquo;t help. And now the resentment is building.
When your adult child refuses to launch, it&rsquo;s easy to label it as entitlement&mdash;but what if that&rsquo;s not the real problem?
In this episode, we unpack what&rsquo;s really going on for young men who feel stuck&hellip; and how to support them without enabling the behaviour that&rsquo;s driving you crazy.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why more young men are disengaging from work, study, and responsibility</li>
<li aria-level="1">The difference between supporting and enabling</li>
<li aria-level="1">The &ldquo;low bar&rdquo; that actually sets kids apart in the real world</li>
<li aria-level="1">How to have productive conversations without triggering defensiveness</li>
<li aria-level="1">The 3-step framework: Explore, Explain, Empower</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why gentle reminders work better than constant conflict</li>
<li aria-level="1">How accountability builds motivation (without nagging)</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
&ldquo;You don&rsquo;t have to have it all figured out&mdash;but you do have to be doing something.&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.booktopia.com.au/boys-justin-coulson/book/9780733342523.html">Boys: Building Strong Young Men from the Inside Out</a> by Dr Justin Coulson</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Start with curiosity, not criticism: ask what&rsquo;s really going on</li>
<li aria-level="1">Set clear expectations for contribution at home</li>
<li aria-level="1">Replace lectures with short, calm reminders</li>
<li aria-level="1">Hold weekly check-ins: what worked, what didn&rsquo;t, what&rsquo;s next</li>
<li aria-level="1">Focus on effort and progress, not perfect direction</li>
</ul>

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

When Your Adult Child Refuses to Launch

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/aece8f7e-a1ed-40c8-831f-b41900aace26/transcript