Parenting Young Adults - Letting Go While Staying Connected

Parenting young adults is one of the most tender and complex seasons of family life. In this episode, April Bordeau is joined by returning guest Jean Crane to explore how parents can navigate the tension between letting go and staying connected as children move into adulthood.Jean brings both professional insight and lived experience, parenting children who are actively launching into college, marriage, and independent life. Together, April and Jean discuss the emotional push-pull parents often feel—grief and pride, closeness and distance—and how to stay relationally connected without overstepping into control.This conversation offers practical guidance, reassurance, and hope for parents who want to maintain influence through relationship rather than authority.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why parenting young adults is fundamentally different from parenting teens or childrenThe shift from positional influence to relational influenceHow brain development impacts decision-making well into the mid-20sWhat helps young adults want to stay connected with their parentsHow curiosity and listening build trust and opennessHealthy ways to set boundaries with adult childrenHow to respond when you’re deeply concerned about your child’s choicesWhen to speak up, when to step back, and when to pray and waitA simple practice parents can use this week to strengthen connectionKey takeaway: The goal isn’t control—it’s connection. When communication stays open, curiosity replaces judgment, and encouragement is spoken consistently, young adults are far more likely to invite their parents into their lives.Resources mentioned: Parenting Through the Stages (Orange Series) The Power of a Praying Parent The Power of a Praying Parent for Adult Children The Anxious Generation Stolen FocusApril also references a previous Care to Change podcast episode on parenting adult children, which will be linked in the show notes.If you’re navigating this season and feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or disconnected, Care to Change offers experienced therapists who can walk alongside you through counseling, marriage intensives, or leadership coaching.Learn more or reach out at caretochange.org.