Parenting Young Adults in Today’s Complicated World: Navigating the Challenges of the “Guidance Gap”

Parenting doesn’t come with a manual, and that’s especially true when your kids hit young adulthood. The rules change, the challenges deepen, and the previously clear parent-child dynamic is suddenly more complicated than ever. If you’ve been losing sleep searching for answers on how to connect with and guide your twenty-something child, you are not alone. Fortunately, there’s a powerful new resource that can help bridge the gap—and it might just change your views on modern parenting.

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A Roadmap for Navigating Young Adulthood

A groundbreaking book, You’re Not Done Yet: Parenting Young Adults in an Age of Uncertainty [link to press release], speaks directly to the heart of these parenting struggles, combining practical advice with deep empathy. Written by B. Janet Hibbs, MFT, PhD, and Anthony Rostain, MD, MA, two prominent clinicians and parenting experts, the book delves into one of the most perplexing parenting dilemmas today—shifting relationships with adult children and the external pressures they face.

One of the book’s central themes is the guidance gap—the chasm between the support young adults actually need and the expectations parents often place on them. This gap has widened in recent years due to economic uncertainty, skyrocketing student loan debt, and shifting societal norms about adulthood. For parents, this often means grappling with questions like, “How much help is too much?” or, “Am I equipping my child for independence or enabling dependency?”

The book doesn’t just pose these questions; it offers practical, research-backed strategies to close the gap.

Why Mental Health Is Every Parent’s Concern Right Now

Another key takeaway from ‘You’re Not Done Yet’ is its emphasis on mental health. According to recent statistics, over 45% of young adults aged 18–24 have experienced symptoms of anxiety or depression in the past year. This is a staggering figure, and it underscores what many parents already suspect—our young people are struggling under immense mental and emotional pressure.

The book doesn’t shy away from these tough topics. Instead, it equips parents with tools to recognize warning signs, support their young adult children emotionally, and seek professional help when needed. What’s especially refreshing is that Hibbs and Rostain acknowledge that today’s parents also carry emotional baggage of their own. The book helps readers address these unresolved feelings, making it a truly holistic guide for today’s families.

Personal Stories and Expert Advice

What sets You’re Not Done Yet apart is the way it balances expert knowledge with relatable personal stories. You’ll hear from parents who have been in the trenches, navigating the ups and downs of parenting through their children’s 20s. These real-life anecdotes lend authenticity and reassurance to the advice being offered—you’ll quickly realize you’re far from alone in this experience.

The book also features insights from psychologists, sociologists, and career counselors, offering parents a well-rounded view of what young adults face and how to support them effectively. The goal isn’t to micromanage or “parent harder” but to be a constant, supportive presence as your children discover who they are.

Is It Enabling or Empowering?

“Today’s generational baton pass into adulthood takes longer than it used to,” says Dr. Hibbs. “Parents are living through the longest chapter of parenting ever—and many are overwhelmed, and unsure how to help.” Parents want to know what happened, why, and what to expect.”

Dr. Rostain adds, “This book helps parents understand this developmental delay, reset their expectations, find clarity in the chaos, and stay connected to their young adult children—without losing themselves.”

One of the most memorable sections of the book challenges parents to rethink their concept of “helping.” It examines the difference between enabling your child (offering assistance that may hinder their growth) and empowering them (providing guidance and tools that foster independence). For example, rather than stepping in to resolve young adults’ financial struggles, the book suggests strategies for helping them build financial literacy and resilience.

This nuanced understanding of support is one of the book’s strongest points—it empowers parents to be mentors rather than managers.

The Perfect Companion for the Parenting Journey

If you’re ready to better connect with your young adult children, address today’s unique challenges, and foster an enduring, healthy relationship, You’re Not Done Yet is a must-read. Its mix of wisdom, compassion, and actionable advice makes it a valuable resource that you’ll want to revisit as both you and your children grow.

Parenting young adults is a journey filled with unique challenges and opportunities for growth. By understanding the evolving dynamics of this stage and equipping yourself with the right tools and insights, you can foster a stronger, healthier relationship with your children while supporting their path to independence.

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About the Authors

B. Janet Hibbs, M.F.T., Ph.D., is a recognized authority on family and parent-child relationships. Her speaking engagements draw on expert clinical experience and 15 years as a graduate faculty member. Dually licensed as a psychologist and a family therapist, Dr. Hibbs is an Approved Supervisor for the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. She is a popular media guest, with national appearances on TV and radio. She is the author of Try to See It My Way: Being Fair in Love and Marriage, as well as book chapters, academic and national news articles. She is co-founder of Contextual Therapy of Philadelphia.

Anthony Rostain, M.D., M.A., is a nationally recognized expert in child and adolescent psychiatry. He is chief and chair of psychiatry and behavioral health at Cooper University Health Care and professor of psychiatry and pediatrics at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University in Camden, New Jersey. He is also emeritus professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. He practices lifespan developmental psychiatry and is the co-author of four books, dozens of articles and chapters, and is a nationally and internationally renowned lecturer. Dr. Rostain was honored as Laurel House’s 2020 Champion for Recovery.

B. Janet Hibbs and Dr. Anthony L. Rostain are also the co-authors of the bestselling The Stressed Years of Their Lives and are available individually or together for interviews, workshops, expert commentary, and parent education events. Their work combines clinical experience with real-world insight to help families meet today’s challenges.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/young-man-leaning-against-the-wall-holding-a-books-3769706/

The opinions and views expressed in any guest blog post do not necessarily reflect those of www.rtor.org or its sponsor, Laurel House, Inc. The author and www.rtor.org have no affiliations with any products or services mentioned in the article or linked to therein. Guest Authors may have affiliations to products mentioned or linked to in their author bios.