Parenting doesn’t end when children become adults, but it does change. On Marriage Unhindered, Doug Hinderer and his daughter Monica explored two common mistakes parents can make that unintentionally create distance in their relationships with adult children: using guilt and turning conversations into criticism.

Doug noted that many parents carry a vision of who they hope their children will become. The challenge comes when adult children begin making their own choices, developing their own personalities, and following paths their parents never expected. When parents use guilt – through comments that leave children feeling indebted rather than loved – the relationship can suffer.

Monica encouraged parents to look beneath those reactions. Often, guilt is not rooted in manipulation but in subconscious sadness, fear, or disappointment. Instead of saying, “After all I’ve done for you,” parents can strengthen the relationship by honestly expressing their feelings while respecting their child’s freedom.

The conversation also addressed another pitfall: criticism disguised as concern. Adult children may stop sharing details of their lives if every conversation feels like an evaluation. A simple announcement, such as buying a new car or taking a new opportunity, can quickly become a discussion about what they should have done differently.

Monica suggested that connection should come before correction. A response as simple as, “Tell me more about that,” communicates interest and respect. Adult children still value their parents’ wisdom, but they also need room to learn, grow, and even make mistakes.

Doug acknowledged that this transition can be difficult. Parents spend years guiding, correcting, and protecting their children. Letting go of that role is not easy. Yet healthy relationships with adult children often require a new approach: offering advice when invited, loving without controlling, and trusting God’s work in their lives.

The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.

Parenting doesn&rsquo;t end when children become adults, but it does change. On Marriage Unhindered, Doug Hinderer and his daughter Monica explored two common mistakes parents can make that unintentionally create distance in their relationships with adult children: using guilt and turning conversations into criticism.
Doug noted that many parents carry a vision of who they hope their children will become. The challenge comes when adult children begin making their own choices, developing their own personalities, and following paths their parents never expected. When parents use guilt &ndash; through comments that leave children feeling indebted rather than loved &ndash; the relationship can suffer.
Monica encouraged parents to look beneath those reactions. Often, guilt is not rooted in manipulation but in subconscious sadness, fear, or disappointment. Instead of saying, &ldquo;After all I&rsquo;ve done for you,&rdquo; parents can strengthen the relationship by honestly expressing their feelings while respecting their child&rsquo;s freedom.
The conversation also addressed another pitfall: criticism disguised as concern. Adult children may stop sharing details of their lives if every conversation feels like an evaluation. A simple announcement, such as buying a new car or taking a new opportunity, can quickly become a discussion about what they should have done differently.
Monica suggested that connection should come before correction. A response as simple as, &ldquo;Tell me more about that,&rdquo; communicates interest and respect. Adult children still value their parents&rsquo; wisdom, but they also need room to learn, grow, and even make mistakes.
Doug acknowledged that this transition can be difficult. Parents spend years guiding, correcting, and protecting their children. Letting go of that role is not easy. Yet healthy relationships with adult children often require a new approach: offering advice when invited, loving without controlling, and trusting God&rsquo;s work in their lives.
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The best way to listen to the&nbsp;Best of the Week&nbsp;is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It&rsquo;s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out&nbsp;<a href="https://relevantradio.com/listen/get-the-app/">here</a>.

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Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.