434: Setting Your Young Adult Up for Independence

Wire Talk with Karen Stubbs

Today Karen is answering questions from moms whose kids are in college or working and living on their own for the first time. She shares how to support them without enabling them, how to gently guide them toward wise-decision making, and how to encourage them toward maturity while simultaneously stepping back. She also reminds us that now, more than ever, is the time to get on your knees and PRAY for your kids! Moms, this season is hard, but the fruit of these years is worth the investment of time and energy.

Episode Recap:

3:41 How do I help my college-age daughter who is already struggling with time management while she’s away? She’s calling me in tears weekly!

8:00 I feel like my son is growing apart from us as a young adult living in another state. Is this normal? How can I adjust my mindset?

13:02 My daughter calls me all the time about every little thing now that she’s living on her own. How can I help her be more confident in her decision making?

17:18 I think my son could be classified as “failure to launch” at this point in time. How can I get him to think about his future seriously?!

Scripture for Reflection:

Philippians 1:9-10 (NIV) – "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ."

Questions for Discussion:

1. Were there any suggestions Karen offered during this episode that surprised you? Which ones did you love?
2. When your young adult is constantly seeking advice, how do you balance offering support with encouraging them to develop their own confidence in decision-making?
3. Do you struggle with feelings of separation or distance when your child is living far from home? What are some practical things you could do (besides visiting!) to close that relational gap?
4. What are some practical ways we can support our young adults in their independence without overstepping or enabling them?
5. In what specific ways can you be praying for your young adult as they transition into greater independence? Do you think prayer influences your ability to trust God in this season?

Resources:

• Jump in on the Survival Guide to Motherhood study this fall! Today is the last day to register: boaw.mom/SGTM
• Download the Birds on a Wire Moms app FOR FREE wherever you get your apps!
• Come hear Karen teach at an event near you: https://birdsonawiremoms.com/events