Today's episode is a little different than what you're used to.

It's for those of you who have been hurt by a parent, and carry the quiet, painful ache of knowing that an apology is probably never coming and how you can move forward, without repeating the toxic cycle with your own children.

My guest Paula Yost calls this the Apology Ache. That deep, lingering hurt from a parent who has wounded you, and you have to accept that they are never going to acknowledge it. In fact often times, our only salvation is estrangement. Which we never want to happen with our own children. But we talk about it anyway.

Paula is a clinical mental health counsellor, a lawyer, and the author of the book Tumbleweeds. This conversation is about her deeply personal and painful experiences with a mother whom she struggled with practically her whole life and how she came to terms with that relationship through the practice of Radical Acceptance which she explains so beautifully.

And perhaps most importantly, we talk about breaking the generational cycle. Because so many people who were hurt by a parent carry a deep fear: am I going to do this to my own kids or can I break this toxic pattern.

If you were hurt by a parent, the fear of repeating that with your own children is real and that's something I think every parent needs to hear because I don’t think any of us had a perfect childhood.

So even though this episode is a bit different, I think the message is important and I hope you spend the time today to listen.

Remember to hit the follow button so you never miss and episode, and please send this to a friend or family member who needs to hear it.

As always, thank you for listening.

P.S If you happen to read these show notes, I'm doing a FREE Masterclass on Thursday April 16th at 8 pm EST on the Secrets of a Successful Living Together Agreement - and Why Most Fail.

Save your spot here; ParentingFX.com/LTA-Masterclass

About my Guest: Paula Yost is a licensed clinical mental health counselor, an attorney and the author of Tumbleweeds, available on Amazon.com. Paula writes and speaks about what happens when families are forced to navigate broken systems and choose not to stay silent.

Contact info available at https://paulayost.com/

💻 Shari's Parenting Course is now OPEN! “Journey to Independence: A Step-by-Step Roadmap to Guiding and Launching Your Adult Child.”

For more information and where to sign up, visit: https://parentingfx.com/parentingcourse

Do you want to know if your adult child is struggling with Failure to Launch? Grab the FREE Failure to Launch Checklist here:

🗣️One-on-One Consultations are available. Click here!

Email me if you have any questions at: Shari@ParentingFX.com

🎙️Remember to hit the SUBSCRIBE button so you never miss an episode.

Shari can be found on Instagram & TikTok Search @sharijonaslifefx

YouTube has all of the interviews available to watch! CLICK HERE...

If your adult child is living at home and refuses to take on any responsibilities, acting more like a hotel guest than a member of the household and you feel like you've tried everything, this episode is for you.

After writing and creating an 18-page Living Together Guide and Agreement for parents of young adults who weren't participating or contributing to basic household responsibilities or anything in their life, I quickly discovered that most parents struggled to enforce it. The approach required finesse. The groundwork had to be laid first. The relationship needed work.

But giving up was not an option because having responsibilities, structure, and routine isn't just important for you, your home or your adult. It's vital to their self-confidence.

This short episode explains why. And in the end, I invite you to join me to take this conversation even further.

Here's the link to save your spot: https://parentingfx.com/lta-masterclass

Remember to hit the subscribe button, and please send this episode to someone who needs to hear it.

Thanks for listening!

💻 Shari's Parenting Course is now OPEN! “Journey to Independence: A Step-by-Step Roadmap to Guiding and Launching Your Adult Child.”

For more information and where to sign up, visit: https://parentingfx.com/parentingcourse

Do you want to know if your adult child is struggling with Failure to Launch? Grab the FREE Failure to Launch Checklist here:

🗣️One-on-One Consultations are available. Click here!

Email me if you have any questions at: Shari@ParentingFX.com

🎙️Remember to hit the SUBSCRIBE button so you never miss an episode.

Shari can be found on Instagram & TikTok Search @sharijonaslifefx

YouTube has all of the interviews available to watch! CLICK HERE...

For any parent whose ever wondered whether their adult child has a video gaming addiction, and if so how they can help, this episode is for you.

What may have started off as just a harmless activity turns into an all-consuming, socially withdrawn activity, where showering and eating are secondary to gaming and day/night reversal have become a way of life. Their bedrooms are their fortress, and their parents are not welcome.

In this candid episode, 30-year-old Jake Uskoski shares his deeply personal experience with his addiction, his relapses and the remarkable recovery from this incredibly challenging addiction.

I'm grateful to have had this conversation with Jake, who pulls back the curtain on what the emotional life of a video gaming addict looks like and how much support is needed if recovery is ever going to happen.

After this episode, you'll know for sure whether or not your young adult needs help, the extent of what they're going through, and I'm sure you will never look at their little video gaming activity the same, ever again.

I've been suggesting this episode to many young adults because I know how helpful it will be. Seeing themselves in Jake is the first step. This is not easy to admit, but when you listen to Jake talk about his experiences, you'll really understand how important it is to share it.

A special thank you to Jake Uskoski and a shout out to his mother, Elaine Uskoski who has authored 2 books on the subject (both available on Amazon):

Cyber Sober: A Caregiver’s Guide to Video Gaming Addiction

Seeing Through the Cracks

Please remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode and definitely share this one with someone who needs to hear it... probably your adult child.

Thank you for listening!

💻 Shari's Parenting Course is now OPEN! “Journey to Independence: A Step-by-Step Roadmap to Guiding and Launching Your Adult Child.”

For more information and where to sign up, visit: https://parentingfx.com/parentingcourse

Do you want to know if your adult child is struggling with Failure to Launch? Grab the FREE Failure to Launch Checklist here:

🗣️One-on-One Consultations are available. Click here!

Email me if you have any questions at: Shari@ParentingFX.com

🎙️Remember to hit the SUBSCRIBE button so you never miss an episode.

Shari can be found on Instagram & TikTok Search @sharijonaslifefx

YouTube has all of the interviews available to watch! CLICK HERE...

Today’s episode is one of the most important conversations I’ve had on this podcast because it's touches every single parent, whether your adult child is struggling or not. We all have to come to face to face with this hard truth.

That's why this is called the dirtiest word in parenting. There's a few contenders which my lovely guest and I discuss, but this one, this one is big.

My guest today is Catherine Hickem, and before I tell you anything else about her credentials, she is the real deal and she's original - which for me speaks volumes - and there is not one ounce of fluff in what she says. You'll discover quickly that Catherine knows a lot about parenting adult children.

As for her qualifications, Catherine is a licensed clinical social worker, seasoned psychotherapist, executive coach, and the founder of Parenting Adult Children Today. For more than 40 years, Catherine has helped families navigate complex relationships with clarity and purpose. Catherine also has a new book coming out in 2026 called It’s Never Too Late to Be a Great Parent.

This is an incredible conversation with powerful perspectives and no nonsense advice that will change the way you relate to your adult child forever.

Please remember to share this episode with another parent - any parent - and of course hit the subscribe button so you never miss an episode.

I am grateful that you listen to LAUNCH and would love to hear from you.

💻 Shari's Parenting Course is now OPEN! “Journey to Independence: A Step-by-Step Roadmap to Guiding and Launching Your Adult Child.”

For more information and where to sign up, visit: https://parentingfx.com/parentingcourse

Do you want to know if your adult child is struggling with Failure to Launch? Grab the FREE Failure to Launch Checklist here:

🗣️One-on-One Consultations are available. Click here!

Email me if you have any questions at: Shari@ParentingFX.com

🎙️Remember to hit the SUBSCRIBE button so you never miss an episode.

Shari can be found on Instagram & TikTok Search @sharijonaslifefx

YouTube has all of the interviews available to watch! CLICK HERE...

Many parents of adult children feel powerless and think they've tried everything.

Yet somehow, nothing has worked. The years have gone by and their adult child is still in the same place; at home, unmotivated, lacking confidence, and living without purpose, while everyone around them seems to be moving forward.

In today’s short episode, I want to share something more personal with you. I’m going to explain why I am dedicating my time to guiding parents of young adults who are struggling and what I have created to help change that.

In this episode, I’ll share my perspective on raising children and what is really needed from parents. All parents.

You are far more capable of influencing change than you may believe right now.

Growth can happen. You may not see it right away, but if you do the work, you will watch your adult child blossom.🌱

Please share this episode with another parent, remember to hit the subscribe button, and as always Thank you for listening.

Remember to email me at: Shari@ParentingFX.com for a personal video.

💻 Shari's Parenting Course is now OPEN! “Journey to Independence: A Step-by-Step Roadmap to Guiding and Launching Your Adult Child.”

For more information and where to sign up, visit: https://parentingfx.com/parentingcourse

Do you want to know if your adult child is struggling with Failure to Launch? Grab the FREE Failure to Launch Checklist here:

🗣️One-on-One Consultations are available. Click here!

Email me if you have any questions at: Shari@ParentingFX.com

🎙️Remember to hit the SUBSCRIBE button so you never miss an episode.

Shari can be found on Instagram & TikTok Search @sharijonaslifefx

YouTube has all of the interviews available to watch! CLICK HERE...

This is my second guest who is not a parent, but a young adult, who (once again) shares their wisdom and insight into why young adults and teens struggle to connect with their parents, what they need most and offers effective approaches to turn that around.

Sonia Suthar founder of Cloud9Go.com works with high-school students and parents teaching the real-world skills that schools rarely teach: public speaking, execution, emotional intelligence, and leadership.

In this surprising episode, Sonia shares her strategies for improving communication through collaboration, and the importance of having family as your support system to build confidence and self-love, so young adults feel heard and respected at home.

If you’re interested;

Ho'oponopono is an ancient Hawaiian practice of reconciliation and forgiveness, meaning "to make right" or "to set in balance". The modern, simplified mantra consists of four phrases aimed at taking responsibility for one's inner state to heal, clear negative emotions, and restore balance: "I'm sorry, Please forgive me, Thank you, I love you"

How to connect with Sonia:

www.Cloud9Go.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/soniakatara/

Sonia’s TedTalk;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVqO3ESJ9fo&t=1s

Remember to hit the follow or subscribe button so you never miss an episode. And THIS one…should be shared with your adult child, and any adult adult (not a typo) who needs to hear it.

Thank you for listening!

💻 Shari's Parenting Course is now OPEN! “Journey to Independence: A Step-by-Step Roadmap to Guiding and Launching Your Adult Child.”

For more information and where to sign up, visit: https://parentingfx.com/parentingcourse

Do you want to know if your adult child is struggling with Failure to Launch? Grab the FREE Failure to Launch Checklist here:

🗣️One-on-One Consultations are available. Click here!

Email me if you have any questions at: Shari@ParentingFX.com

🎙️Remember to hit the SUBSCRIBE button so you never miss an episode.

Shari can be found on Instagram & TikTok Search @sharijonaslifefx

YouTube has all of the interviews available to watch! CLICK HERE...

If your adult child is stuck, unmotivated, anxious, avoiding responsibility, and still heavily dependent on you, this episode asks a question most parents are afraid to consider:

Can overprotective parenting impact a young adult’s ability to launch confidently into adulthood?

In this conversation, we unpack what helicopter parenting is and if there's any correlation between that style of parenting and a young adults inability to move forward. Or is there more to it?

This episode is not about blame.
It’s about awareness.
And it’s about change.

Because no matter how things got here, you still have influence. And that influence means you can still help your adult child.

This episode provides you with hope and suggestions. It's never to late to learn how to be the parent your adult child needs, so they can thrive in the world.

Remember to subscribe, and please share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

Thank you for listening!

💻 Shari's Parenting Course is now OPEN! “Journey to Independence: A Step-by-Step Roadmap to Guiding and Launching Your Adult Child.”

For more information and where to sign up, visit: https://parentingfx.com/parentingcourse

Do you want to know if your adult child is struggling with Failure to Launch? Grab the FREE Failure to Launch Checklist here:

🗣️One-on-One Consultations are available. Click here!

Email me if you have any questions at: Shari@ParentingFX.com

🎙️Remember to hit the SUBSCRIBE button so you never miss an episode.

Shari can be found on Instagram & TikTok Search @sharijonaslifefx

YouTube has all of the interviews available to watch! CLICK HERE...

Today I’m joined by Laura Hope Whitaker, CEO of Extra Special People, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating transformative experiences for people with disabilities and their families. Laura is a speaker, advocate, and the author of her brand new book, The Joy Exchange, Finding Life's Greatest Lessons in Those You Least Expect. This book is so beautifully written and filled with stories that will touch your heart. Truly a must-read. Not just for you, but for your adult child too.

Laura is known for her joyful approach to leadership and her ability to shift perspectives around inclusion, community, and the power of human connection. Throughout her book, Laura shows how the very individuals our culture often overlooks have the most to teach us about love, leadership, and community.

In this episode, we talk about the surprising meaning behind joy, how we can all experience it, what parents can do to reconnect with their adult children, and what they can do to feel a sense of belonging and connection again, something these young adults desperately need.

I really enjoyed speaking with Laura and I'm sure this conversation will resonate with you. Remember to subscribe so you never miss and episode. And please to share it with someone who needs a little joy.

About My Guest: Laura Hope Whitaker

https://www.laurahopewhitaker.com/

The Joy Exchange is available at the link below or on Amazon

https://www.laurahopewhitaker.com/thejoyexchange

100% of the books proceeds go to ESP

As always, thank you for listening.

💻 Shari's Parenting Course is now OPEN! “Journey to Independence: A Step-by-Step Roadmap to Guiding and Launching Your Adult Child.”

For more information and where to sign up, visit: https://parentingfx.com/parentingcourse

Do you want to know if your adult child is struggling with Failure to Launch? Grab the FREE Failure to Launch Checklist here:

🗣️One-on-One Consultations are available. Click here!

Email me if you have any questions at: Shari@ParentingFX.com

🎙️Remember to hit the SUBSCRIBE button so you never miss an episode.

Shari can be found on Instagram & TikTok Search @sharijonaslifefx

YouTube has all of the interviews available to watch! CLICK HERE...