How Can Counseling Strengthen Adult Parent-Child Relationships?

According to the Pew Research Center, around half of Americans between the ages of 18-29 were living with their parents in 2022. This setup is clearly beneficial for the adult children involved, who are reaping the benefits of cheaper (or nonexistent) living expenses.

But what about the parents?

Naturally, many parents living with grown children want to push their loved ones toward financial and emotional independence. They wonder whether a young adult living at home will be able to reach his full potential. They may also feel unequal to the financial toll of providing for their adult child.

If you find yourself in this situation, don’t give up hope. Counseling can offer you and your loved one a path forward.

Come to Neal Psychological Specialties, where our counselors are ready to treat your family with the care, compassion, and respect you deserve. We know that adult parent-child relationships are sometimes a sensitive issue, and we can ensure that both parties feel heard and understood. If the so-called “failure to launch” issue is weighing on you, reach out now so we can identify and treat the root causes at play.

When Is It Time to Encourage an Adult Child to Move Out?

You may be waiting for “the right time” to speak to your child about moving out. But how do you know when that time has finally come? While there is no clear-cut answer to this question, here are a few signs to watch for:

They’ve gained financial security.
They’re looking for new opportunities.
Living together has begun to affect the relationship.

You want your child to learn important life skills, like budgeting, time management, and financial planning. And you worry that living at home will hinder their ability to find success in the long term. Rest assured that these are normal and healthy concerns for any parent. Wanting your child to move out is not selfish or stingy; it’s natural.

At NPS, our job is not to tell your child when it’s time to move out. Instead, our job is to provide you and your child with support so you can approach this conversation in a healthy and positive way.

Nothing is more important than the mental health and well-being of your family. If living together has begun to affect your happiness, counseling can help you identify the root issues and create a plan for moving forward.

How Can Counseling Help?

Watching a once happy relationship turn sour is difficult for any parent. Rest assured that through counseling, you and your child can overcome roadblocks, see one another in a new light, and reestablish a thriving relationship.

Our counselors are specialized in a wide range of therapeutic services. From Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to addiction counseling and more, we have a variety of techniques that will bring comfort and healing to your situation. Come to our center when you are ready to learn more about how we can achieve these goals:

Fostering a Safe Space for Your Child to Grow

Many young adults were seriously affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. They saw their academic and employment opportunities sputter to a standstill at an important and vulnerable juncture of their lives. As a result, people in this age group deserve our compassion and understanding—rather than our judgment or condemnation.

Counseling can be enormously helpful to young adults coping with the aftermath of the pandemic. It provides a safe space to talk about this traumatic experience and unpack its ongoing effects. Through counseling, your child may also find support in overcoming addiction, battling anxiety and depression, and searching for motivation or direction. If your child is facing any of these roadblocks, reach out to our center today so we can find a path forward together.

Supporting You Along the Way

Of course, you can’t force your adult child into counseling. Whether they are ready to accept our help or not, please know that our counselors are always here for you. Counseling will allow you to approach the cohabiting situation with empathy and understanding. It will also give you the tools needed to set healthy boundaries and follow through on established ground rules. Finding a sense of control in your own home is both necessary and possible; call us today to learn more about how.

Take Control of the “Failure to Launch” Situation Through Counseling

Are you ready to establish a healthier and happier home life? Our counselors are ready to help you get there. Give us a call at (815) 477-4727 and be sure to ask about our free 15-minute meet and greets. This brief meeting will allow us to pair you and your child with the best counselor for your needs.