Parenting Adult Children: When Anxiety Disguises Itself as Love Learning the difference between loving and chasing

In our first short form episode -- Straight From the Listener Line episode -- we welcome back psychologist Dr. Jeffrey Bernstein to answer a heartfelt listener question.

A mother shares her struggle after watching her once-close relationship with her son change following his marriage. She feels increasingly pushed aside and wonders how to navigate the growing distance, particularly when she believes her daughter-in-law no longer values a relationship with her husband's family.

We discusses:

• Why adult children often experience divided loyalties after marriage
• The danger of "chasing" a relationship when fear and anxiety take over
• How parents can remain emotionally open without pushing too hard
• The grief that often accompanies changing family relationships
• Why love alone doesn't always tell us what to do next

This episode offers practical guidance and compassionate reassurance for parents facing difficult changes in their relationships with adult children.

Tips you can use right away. 

Read more about this episode on our Substack Behind the Mic, where after each episode we share some personal thoughts and discussion. Link here to read our current one. 

Have a question you'd like us to discuss?

Call the Listener Line:📞 719-347-1106

Or email:📧 [email protected]

Your question could be featured in a future episode of Straight From the Listener Line: Real Questions, Real Answers.

Please follow us on social media now. It helps us so much. Facebook Instagram

Huge thanks to Connie Gorant Fisher, our audio engineer.

Website: biteyourtonguepodcast.comSubstack: Behind the MicListener Line: 719-347-1106Email: [email protected]

And remember…sometimes you just have to bite your tongue.

Support the show

The site and podcast do not contain any medical/health information or advice. The medical/health information is for general information and educational purposes only and is not suitable for professional device. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals. We do not provide any kind of medical/health advice. THE USE OF OR RELIANCE OF ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THE SITE OR PODCAST IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.