Parenting young adults is no joke. We have all of the same love for them and yet little control. We watch them make decisions and wonder where we fit in their lives these days.

We invited author and mom Mary Demuth to the show to discuss the challenges parents face when their children become adults. Mary reminds us that parenting is an ongoing journey, and parents still have a mission once their children leave home.

Mary provides practical advice on how to love, listen, and pray for adult children, and how important it is for a parent to be authentic and vulnerable in sharing their stories as a way of helping their children transition to adulthood.

Mary emphasizes the importance of being an active listener in maintaining a strong relationship with the children while setting boundaries and practicing independence.

This can be a lonely time for parents and we want to face these challenges together! 

Listen to the episode

On iTunes or watch us here:

Find Mary

Mary’s book- Love, Pray, Listen: Parenting Your Wayward Adult Kids with Joy 

Mary’s website and Instagram

What you heard on the show

Mary’s 52 weekly prayer pdf

Romans 12:1-2: Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. ² Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Isaiah 41:10: So do not fear, for I am with you;

    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Questions to Help You Rise

1. What is your mission as you parent right now?
2. How are you being authentic and vulnerable as you share your own stories with others?
3. How can you better participate in active listening with your adult children
4. Are your prayers focusing on expressing love and support, or are they attempts at controlling your kids?
5. How can you pray towards God’s heart for them this week?