Debbie Gail Zane

Do you find yourself criticizing your teen or young adult child often?  This can happen when you lose trust, even for a moment.

Maybe you don’t agree with the friends they have chosen or how they are spending their time.

The thing is, you don’t have to agree with everything they do in order to still have a close and loving relationship.

But when you criticize or even reject them, it not only makes your son or daughter feel like their views and feelings are not accepted, but it can over time divide your relationship.

What can you do?

1. Reframe criticism in a positive way – acknowledge the good rather than focusing on what you feel is the negative
2. Commit to maintaining an emotional connection no matter what
3. Instead of focusing on what is wrong, focusing on what is right
4. Remember your relationship is something to be cherished

If this post resonated with you, please share in the comments below.

I am meant for more.  Did you ever feel that way?  That whether or not you love what you’re doing, you have that feeling deep in your soul that you were meant for more. That’s how I have felt.  After losing my 26 year old son, I did a lot of soul searching as to what is my purpose.  I am passionate about helping parents in their relationships with their teens and young adults because I know it is not an easy journey, especially for single parents, as our lives and our relationships with our children are precious.  I decided to take my business in this new direction.

I was so excited that I began working right away to come up with a free 3 day challenge.  If you are a parent of a teen or young adult suffering from mental illness and/or addiction, and you are frustrated with constant conflicts with your son or daughter and want to build a positive loving relationship, this challenge is for you!  I see many parents struggling in their relationships with their children, feeling confused, worried, and perplexed as to how to handle the difficulties that arise.   I can teach you the tools to rise above the fear and self doubt, navigate the unique challenges they are facing as a parent, and rebuild their loving relationship.

Here is a peek at the three days of the challenge: Day 1- rise above the fear and self doubt, Day 2-navigate challenges, Day 3- choose love.

I am so excited for this new direction in my business!

If your son or daughter has been diagnosed with a mental illness, you may be feeling many different things… fear, confusion, sadness, overwhelm, despair, or other emotions.

First, know that no one is at fault.  Not you.  Not them.

Second, accept what is happening.  Your son or daughter needs to feel you are behind them and, to be supportive in this way, you need to accept how they are feeling and what they are dealing with.

Third, know there is hope.  There is light.  Don’t ever give up.

If you need help navigating the challenges that arise in your relationship with your son or daughter as a result of their mental illness, I can help as I have been there too.  Reach out to me by direct message or through my website.  Our children are precious and they grow up fast.  As a mom, I know and appreciate how much my relationships with my children enrich my life