Marching Through Milestones: Parenting Through Transitions

Alex Koupal • February 14, 2024

Parenting Your Young Adult Through Transitions

Hey there, parents of incredible young adults! March isn't just about spring blooms—it often brings a flurry of milestones for our kids. From graduations to job hunts and maybe even that step towards their own place, these moments can be both thrilling and nerve-wracking—for us and for them.

So, how can we navigate this whirlwind of change while being the supportive, guiding forces our young adults need?

First off, it's all about fostering independence while staying by their side. Encourage them to spread their wings, make decisions, and embrace their journey. This is one of the hardest things for us as parents to do… to stop being “parents” and start acting like a Coach. Offer guidance without taking the wheel, create a safe place for them to fail—sometimes, they just need a sounding board, not a GPS.

Now, here's the thing: it's a fine line between supporting and overstepping. Yes, they're still our babies, but they're also budding adults with their own dreams and visions. It's like being the sideline cheerleader—rooting for them but letting them make those game-changing moves. It has to be their idea… I know this is frustrating! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had parents come to me and say “What did you do to get my child to ….” and then when I tell them, they get so frustrated because that’s EXACTLY what they told them! But it fell of deaf ears. Let’s face it, parents are LAME. Having a third party to reiterate the same things you’d tell your child can be a game changer.

Next up, is communication—it's key! But how do you get your young adult to open up? Well… it depends on the individual but usually providing an open opportunity to spend quality time together works. Keep those lines open, no matter how busy life gets. These transitions can be overwhelming, and a reassuring chat over a cup of coffee can work wonders. One of the most common reasons I hear that kids don’t talk to their parents is that they think their parents are already stressed out and they don’t want to bother their parents with their problems. Carve out time to take you child to lunch, coffee, car ride, hike, or shopping trip. Let them come to you, and take them seriously when they say “Hey Mom/Dad”.

Another crucial piece of this puzzle? Empower them to make decisions while knowing you've got their back. This might mean embracing choices that might differ from what you'd have chosen, but remember, it's their journey, not ours. Sometimes our kids think they are doing what you want them to do, but it’s not really what they want. They are just feeding off your excitement for their achievements. If your child is a basketball star, ask them if that’s really what they want to pursue in college… and let them know that it’s ok not to keep playing if they are just doing it because everyone else thinks they should.

Lastly, maintaining a supportive relationship through these changes is gold. It's like being the anchor—they might be drifting into uncharted waters, but knowing they can always come home to support and love makes all the difference. Creating a safe place for them to fall is imperative to strengthening their relationship with you.

March isn't just a month—it's a rollercoaster of milestones. As parents, let's strap in, cheer wildly from the sidelines, and be the sturdy base our young adults can always lean on. Because guiding them through these transitions isn't just about making it through March—it's about setting them up for a lifetime of navigating their path with confidence. You've got this, and so do they!

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How to Figure Out What You Want in Life (Without the Overwhelm)

By Alex Koupal • April 16, 2025

Let’s be real—figuring out what you actually want in life can feel like trying to solve a puzzle with half the pieces missing. If you’re a busy mom juggling a million things or a twenty-something stuck in “what’s next?” mode, the pressure to have it all figured out is exhausting . But here’s the thing: You don’t need a five-year plan. You just need a starting point. 1. Stop Stressing About Having the "Right" Answer No one wakes up one day with a perfectly clear vision of their future. Life is messy, careers change, and passions evolve. Give yourself permission to explore instead of forcing yourself to commit to one path forever. Take the pressure off—it’s not that serious. 2. Follow What Feels Good What are you naturally drawn to? What do you find yourself Googling or watching a TikTok at 2 AM? Pay attention to the things that spark your interest—that’s where the magic starts. 3. Try Before You Decide You don’t have to quit your job or go back to school tomorrow. Test things out! Take a class, volunteer, start a side hustle—get a feel for what excites you before making big moves. 4. Talk to Real People I know, I know… talking to people can be awkward, but real opportunities don’t just knock on your door. Reach out to people who are doing something that interests you. Ask them how they got there. You’d be surprised how many are willing to share advice—and how much clarity you’ll gain just by listening. 5. Just Take the First Step The biggest thing holding people back? Overthinking. (Yep, shocking, I know.) Stop waiting for the perfect plan and just start —sign up for that workshop, send that email, go to that event. Clarity comes from doing , not from obsessing over every little detail. You don’t need all the answers today. Just take one small step and trust that you're figuring it out as you go. 6. Don’t Do It Alone Big decisions feel less overwhelming when you have someone in your corner. A mentor, coach, or even just a trusted friend can help you see things from a different perspective. If you’re feeling stuck, let’s talk! Book a clarity session —sometimes, all you need is a little guidance to get moving in the right direction.

Tiktok, Social Media & Teens: How to guide without just saying, "Get off your phone!"

By Alex Koupal • April 9, 2025

Let’s be real: telling teens to “get off your phone!” doesn’t work. Social media is part of their world. For our teens, social media is how they connect, learn, and express themselves. So how can we help them use it wisely without sounding and being the villain? There’s a way to help them navigate social media mindfully, and no, it doesn’t involve a complete ban. 1. Start the Conversation, Not the Battle Instead of becoming the enemy and banning social media out of the blue, talk to your teen about what they’re doing on it. Is it for learning, creativity, or just entertainment? Understanding their “why” helps guide them to use it more purposefully. 2. Set Healthy Boundaries Together Instead of enforcing rules, involve your teen in setting healthy screen-time limits. It gives them ownership and responsibility over their habits. For example, “I’ll spend 30 minutes scrolling up on TikTok after school, and then I’ll switch to doing homework” can be a much better strategy than enforcing a rigid rule that feels like punishment. When your teen has a say in the boundaries, they’re more likely to stick to them. 3. Be a Role Model What adults do, Teens do! If we’re glued to our phones, constantly checking social media, it sends the message that it’s okay to get lost in the digital world. Model healthy habits, like setting phone-free times, taking social media breaks, or just being present during family time. Show them how to use social media in a balanced way by setting phone-free times and modeling healthy habits. 4. Encourage Real-Life Activities Social media is great for staying in touch, but it can never replace real-life experiences. Encourage hobbies, sports, or family time to keep them grounded. This way, they can create a well-rounded life that isn’t centered solely around the screen. Plus, those real-world experiences will give them something to post about on their feed! 5. Be Their Guide, Not Their Warden At the end of the day, we can’t control everything teens do online. But we can provide guidance, support, and resources to help them use social media in a positive and mindful way. Keep the lines of communication open and encourage them to have trusted mentors—whether it’s a teacher, coach, older cousin, or life coach—who can provide advice beyond just Mom or Dad. If you’re worried about your teen’s social media habits, let’s talk! Book a free parent support session.