Episode 60 - GenX Speaks Series: Kim Muench - Parent Coach

In this episode we welcome Kim Muench, Parent Coach and Founder of Real Life Parent Guide.  Kim shares about her upbringing in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and how her anxiety as a child was severely exacerbated as a result of multiple moves that included bouncing between public and Catholic school.  We reflect on 80s heartthrobs like Jake Ryan from 16 Candles, and how GenX girls were sold completely unrealistic relationship goals.  We also relate over the fact that GenX rarely got carded for alcohol, and as a result found themselves in dive bars or purchasing alcohol from local convenience stores at very young ages.  An unexpected pregnancy during her freshman year at University of Wisconsin - La Crosse changed the trajectory of Kim’s life, as she found herself a young mother at the age of 18.  Kim’s perseverance in escaping an abusive relationship and creating a new life as a single mom to her young son led her on the path to meeting her husband of 34 years who is also father to four of her children.  As their family grew over the years, Kim was faced with the reality of raising a child who suffered from addiction.  Kim candidly shares her journey with her son as he entered rehab, lost his father and encountered run-ins with the law.  This part of her story is shared in her book - “Becoming Me While Raising You: A Mother’s Journey to Herself”.  Through sharing her parenting experience, Kim grew a following on social media where for years she has been offering guidance and advice on parenting emerging adults.  Kim truly understands the tools parents need to collaborate with their adult children in a way that will foster a partnership of understanding and respect.  Through Kim’s vast insight, parents are able to take a few steps back to gain better perspective using Kim’s protocol of the “Four C’s - Clear, Calm, Confidence and Consistent” along with an understanding of the three things they can truly control.  Kim’s second book, “Lost In Place: How To Motivate, Support and Launch an Adult Child”, is due to release in November 2026.  “Lost In Place” is Kim’s version of the term “Failure to Launch”, with the premise of if you’re lost you can always be found.  This episode dives deep into parenting adult children and touches on so many aspects of parenting in general.  Couple that with Kim’s inspiring story that she shares so openly and graciously and you have an episode not to be missed!  We loved having Kim on and learned so much about our own parenting style.  We look forward to having her back as a return guest in the future!Find Kim Here:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kimmuenchparentcoachInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimmuenchparentcoach/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1666oUvnmh/?mibextid=wwXIfr#parenting #parents #motherhood #mother #mom #family #marriage #divorce #pregnancy #therapy #advice #guidance #inspire #anxiety #addiction #rehab #alcoholism #alcoholic #healing #genz #failuretolaunch #youngadult #emergingadult #collaboration #socialmedia #mentalhealth #mentalhealthjourney #interview #lifestory #wisconsin #texas #genx #podcast #generationxCheck us out at genxadulting.com#generationx #genx #podcast #marriage #relationship #interview #mom #family