Boundaries are the glue that holds this balancing act together. They aren’t about control—they’re about safety, predictability, and creating the framework your young adult needs to thrive.

As parents, we don’t want our kids to make the same mistakes we made, or the ones that look so obviously avoidable from where we sit. But here’s the truth: those very mistakes are crucial to their growth.

When I’m working with parents, one of the first shifts I encourage is this: Move from closed-ended questions to open-ended, curious questions. This isn’t just a communication trick—it’s a mindset change that can dramatically improve the quality of your relationship with your child.

But if your child is in residential treatment, this season might feel like something else entirely. While others are preparing for milestone events, you may be sitting with the absence of those moments — the graduation that isn’t happening, the family trip that won’t include everyone, the traditions you thought you’d share this year but can’t.