Episode Details

You've spent years showing your kids how much you love them, from cuddles and bedtime stories to helping them through life's challenges. But now they're adults, have you ever stopped to wonder whether the way you show them love still works for them? Maybe you're trying to help, but they see it as interfering, or you're craving more time together while they're happy with the occasional catch-up. As our kids grow up, their needs change, and sometimes we need to rethink how we show them love too.

In today's episode of Empty Nest, Love & Me, we're talking about:

• Why the way our adult kids experience love can change. What made them feel loved as little kids might not be what makes them feel supported, respected and valued today.
• Understanding the five love languages in parent and adult kid relationships. Exploring Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Acts of Service, Receiving Gifts and Physical Touch, and how each might look different as our kids become independent adults.
• When helping starts to feel like interfering. Why doing everything for our kids might once have felt loving, but can sometimes leave them feeling that we don't trust their judgement.
• Respecting boundaries without feeling rejected. Understanding why less contact, fewer hugs or wanting more independence doesn't automatically mean our adult kids love us any less.
• Learning to love the adults our kids have become. Why asking what makes them feel supported today can help us build stronger relationships based on communication, trust and mutual respect.

A little challenge for you this week:

Think about how you've always shown your kids that you love them.

Are you the mum who tries to fix everything?

The one who buys thoughtful little gifts?

Maybe you love spending quality time together, giving hugs or telling them how proud you are.

Now ask yourself:

"Is this still how my adult child likes to receive love, or am I assuming that what worked when they were little still works today?"

And if you get the opportunity, why not ask them something?

"What makes you feel supported by me these days?"

You might discover that what they need from you now looks quite different from what they needed when they were younger.

And that's okay.

You don't have to get everything right. You're both learning how to navigate a relationship that's changing.

Remember, loving our adult kids differently doesn't mean loving them any less. It means making room for the people they're becoming.

Let's stay connected:

If today's episode has helped you think differently about how you communicate and connect with your adult kids, why not share it with another empty nest parent?

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Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaunashannontaylor

Checkout my Link in bio: https://theloveresetcoach.com

With love,

Demi-Lee Taylor

Empty Nest & Love Languages Coach