Less Control, More Connection: Parenting Adult Children Well with Dr. Kathy Koch

Guest favorite Dr. Kathy Koch joins Arlene to explain the changes that happen when your kids grow up. Dr. Kathy's book Resolve Conflict and Find Peace and Hope with Adult Children walks parents through the hard work of releasing control, grieving unmet expectations, and learning to communicate in ways that actually keep the door open. They cover topics like helicoptering through the teen years, using "I statements" instead of "you statements," staying connected with kids who've walked away from faith, and how to pray through the grief of it all.

If your kids are still young, don't skip this episode. It's great to prepare you for the future by preventing common problems in the first place. In this episode, you'll learn:

3:06 Parent as a noun vs. parent as a verb — what changes when kids grow up

4:31 The long-term effects of helicoptering through the teen years

6:20 How to recognize when you're idolizing your kids

9:47 The "Isaac on the altar" release practice — surrendering your adult child to God

13:06 Staying connected with a child who has walked away from faith

15:37 "I statements" vs. "you statements" and why it matters

26:16 The monthly curiosity coffee — how to ask questions that open doors instead of closing them

Find out more about Dr. Kathy Koch's ministry and get her book Resolve Conflict and Find Peace and Hope with Adult Children at https://celebratekids.com/

Connect with Dr. Kathy on Instagram and Facebook.

More Resources from Arlene Pellicane:

SUBSCRIBE to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get the checklist, 7 Warning Signs of Screen Overuse.

Check out Arlene's BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier.

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Go to Arlene's YouTube Channel

How did Arlene's kids adapt to not having phones, video games or social media? Watch the free video, Screen Kids: In Their Own Words.

Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Want to invite Arlene to speak to your group? Email speaking@arlenepellicane.com

Not sure about a smartphone for your child? Check out the Gabb Wireless phone for kids and teens (use the promo code ARLENE)

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