---

Tips for Parenting Adult Children with Grace

I’m not a perfect parent.

I’ve always known that, but for a long time, I thought, at least, I was perfect for my children. I don’t know if that’s true either.

But…

---

One thing I do know to be true.

I love them. With all my heart. I love them.

Not perfectly, but completely. Always have. Always will.

I don’t give much parenting advice here because well . . . I don’t have much to give.

Each child is unique and what worked for me may not work for you and what didn’t work for me might be the answer for you.

Since our children have been grown for some time, I do however have some advice on loving your adult children well.

---

Since our children have been grown for some time, I do however have some advice on loving your adult children well. Share on X

---

Tips for Parenting Adult Children with Grace

1} Pray for them.

I’ve always asked God to bless and protect my children.

Since watching the movie, War Room, I’m getting very specific in my prayer requests for them.

I want to be in the battle for my children and grandchildren.

---

I want to be in the battle for my children and grandchildren. Share on X

---

2} Tell them you love them. Often!

They simply never outgrow the need to hear the words, “I love you.”

Think about it.

You know it’s true.

---

3} Tips for Parenting Adult Children with Grace – Forgive the past.

Sure they messed up.

They may have messed up BIG, but forgive and believe God can work His plans and purposes in them.

Believe in their hope-filled future.

---

They may have messed up BIG, but forgive and believe God can work His plans and purposes in them. Share on X

---

4} Don’t ask questions you don’t want to know the answer to.

Your children are on their own.

Deeply personal questions can come with answers that make you uncomfortable.

Do you want to know about your child’s sex life? Finances? Or the details from last Saturday night?

If they want to talk about it, be a good listener but don’t ask.

---

Deeply personal questions can come with answers that make you uncomfortable. Share on X

---

---

5} Give them room to grow and to grow up.

Everyone changes.

Admit it.

You’re still growing and learning.

You don’t have everything figured out. Neither do your children.

But they’re learning and growing . . . that’s what’s important.

---

But they're learning and growing . . . that's what's important. Share on X

---

6} Remember, it’s okay to say, “no.”

They’re adults.

You don’t have to say yes to every request for money or childcare or whatever.

---

7} Refuse to manipulate them with guilt.

They didn’t call.

It’s okay.

Maybe they’re busy. Maybe they’re REALLY busy.

Give them grace, then remember phones go both ways.

Call them.

Better yet, text them. It only takes a minute to type, “I love you.”

And remember . . . it’s okay for them to say ‘no’ too.

---

Give them grace, then remember phones go both ways. Share on X

---

8} Tips for Parenting Adult Children with Grace – Give them the freedom to make life choices.

Career?

Where they live?

Who do they date or marry?

You know you have opinions, but it’s their life.

Don’t pressure them or make them feel you’ll be disappointed in them or that you won’t be there for them if they choose “poorly.”

---

Don't pressure them or make them feel you'll be disappointed in them or that you won't be there for them if they choose poorly. Share on X

---

9} Give them freedom over holidays.

Balancing relationships is challenging.

Remember what it was like when you were trying to please your parents and your in-laws?

Maybe you still are.

It’s okay to celebrate on a day other than the holiday itself.

The important thing is enjoying time together not when you do it.

---

Remember what it was like when you were trying to please your parents and your in-laws? Share on X

---

10} Give them a verbal pat on the back.

They still want to know you’re proud of them and think they’re doing a good job.

Tell them.

---

---

11} Respect their parenting decisions.

If they say no sugar don’t try to sneak your grandchild a cookie.

If their boundaries are too rigid or not rigid enough for you… remember – they are the parents. You had your turn. And NEVER disagree with their parenting approach in front of your grandchild!

You had your turn. And NEVER disagree with their parenting approach in front of your grandchild!

And NEVER disagree with their parenting approach in front of your grandchild!

---

If their boundaries are too rigid or not rigid enough for you... remember - they are the parents. You had your turn. Share on X

---

12} Offer a listening ear with a tender heart.

They don’t always need advice. Most of the time they just need to know you care and that you’re listening. You don’t have to have all the answers. Just be available.

Most of the time they just need to know you care and that you’re listening. You don’t have to have all the answers.

Just be available.

---

Most of the time they just need to know you care and that you're listening. You don't have to have all the answers. Just be available. Share on X

---

13} Toughen up. Avoid giving in to hurt feelings.

They probably hurt your feelings occasionally when they live at home and they may say or do something that hurts after they’re grown.

They’re not perfect. Neither are you. Let it slide.

---

They're not perfect. Neither are you. Let it slide. Share on X

---

14} Respect their boundaries and expect them to respect yours.

Boundaries are good for all relationships.

Parents and adult children need to have boundaries too.

Call before you drop in.

Ask don’t expect.

Define off-limits topics.

And expect a respectful conversation.

---

Parents and adult children need to have boundaries too. Share on X

---

15} Pray again.

Life is moving at an amazing speed for your children.

They need your prayers more than ever and more often than you think.

---

They need your prayers more than ever and more often than you think. Share on X

---

Let me be perfectly honest with you.

I didn’t get here quickly. You won’t either.

I am completely invested in my kids’ lives. I gave it my all, and I didn’t want to let go.

But… it wasn’t about me.

It’s about allowing them to be the people God created them to be and sometimes the best way to do that is to simply get out of the way and let Him do His work.

And always remember…“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

---

It's about allowing them to be the people God created them to be and sometimes the best way to do that is to simply get out of the way and let Him do His work. Share on X

---

---

About the Author:

Deb is a passionate blessing counter who loves to study the ways faith and life intersect. This year at Counting My Blessings, she is sharing The Relationship Project – How One Relationship Affects All Others.

Deb lives in Missouri with her husband and furry child, Sadie now that all of their human children are grown and have little ones of their own. And yes, being a grandparent is the best!

She’s hoping you will join her on Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter.

---

---

Have you heard about our devotional?

It’s called – Live in Light: 5-Minute Devotions for Teen Girls.

Live in Light is every girl’s guide to tackling their teenage years with the wisdom and comfort of the Bible.

From navigating the pressure to be “perfect” on social media to dating and dealing with frenemies, these 5-minute devotionals help you to become the woman that both you and God want you to be.

Discover more on Amazon.

---

---

Could you use a little more Parenting Advice?

5 FABULOUS WAYS TO PRAY FOR YOUNG ADULTS

5 POWERFUL PHRASES EVERY BOY WANTS TO HEAR

---

---

Were you encouraged by what you read?

Then, would you share this article with a friend, co-worker, or family member?

Or, maybe you can send it to a friend or family member?

This blog occasionally uses affiliate links and may contain affiliate links.

Additionally, Melanie Redd is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.

This is an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees. These are earned by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

Also, for more on my disclosure policy, click HERE.

© Melanie Redd and Hope Ministry, 2024. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited.

Further, excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Melanie Redd and Hope Ministry.

Please give appropriate and specific directions to the original content.

---