Psychology Today | 03.09.2026 23:31
"No"—it's just a two-letter word, right? Yet, each week, parents who see me for parent coaching sessions lament how the word "no" is loaded with guilt and pain as they see their adult children struggle. Let's be clear: I'm very much OK with parents who provide emotional and financial support for their adult children. But my ongoing caution is to first ask yourself whether your help truly helps them, or makes them feel dependent, or leads them to feel entitled rather than appreciative.
