What to Do When Your Adult Child Doesn't Reach Out episode artwork

EPISODE · Aug 28, 2026 · 4 MIN

What to Do When Your Adult Child Doesn't Reach Out

from Bite Your Tongue: The Podcast · host Bite Your Tongue

If you've ever stared at your phone wondering whether to send that text, this episode is for you.  Sometimes the silence lasts longer than you want.  Sometimes you feel them pushing away.That's why this episode of Straight from the Listener Line: Real Questions, Real Answers, tackles one of the most emotionally difficult dilemmas parents face.If your adult child isn't reaching out, should you call? Text? Wait? And how do you stay connected without feeling like you're chasing them?We talk to one of our favorite therapists Dr. Jeffrey Bernstein (Dr. Jeff).  Together we discuss:How often should parents reach out?The difference between inviting connection and expressing frustrationWhy "keeping score" damages relationshipsHow to talk about communication without sounding criticalWhat to do when you're afraid you're doing too much—or not enoughAre you inviting connection or pushing them away. We found Dr. Jeff's advice to be spot on and we hope this listener who posed the question finds help, but also that all of the listeners find a kernel of support or help that they can take with them. To send us your own question for a future episode:Call our Listener Line: 719-347-1106Email: [email protected] are on SUBSTACK now too - with "Behind the Mic."  We talk about how the episode resonated with us and share some inside scoop that you won't want to miss.Please follow us on social media now.  It helps us so much.  Facebook InstagramHuge thanks to Connie Gorant Fisher, our audio engineer.  Website: biteyourtonguepodcast.comSubstack: Behind the MicListener Line: 719-347-1106Email: [email protected] remember…sometimes you just have to bite your tongue.Support the show  The site and podcast do not contain any medical/health information or advice. The medical/health information is for general information and educational purposes only and is not suitable for professional device. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals. We do not provide any kind of medical/health advice. THE USE OF OR RELIANCE OF ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THE SITE OR PODCAST IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK. 

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Aug 28, 2026

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If you've ever stared at your phone wondering whether to send that text, this episode is for you. Sometimes the silence lasts longer than you want. Sometimes you feel them pushing away. That's why this episode of Straight from the Listener Line: Real Questions, Real Answers, tackles one of the most emotionally difficult dilemmas parents face. If your adult child isn't reaching out, should you call? Text? Wait? And how do you stay connected without feeling like you're chasing them?...

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What to Do When Your Adult Child Doesn't Reach Out

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This episode was published on August 28, 2026.

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