Are you still parenting from the top down—even though your kids are grown? In this episode of Midlife with Brooke, host Brooke Oniki explores the transformative shift from vertical to horizontal parenting: a powerful reframe that fosters mutual respect, deep connection, and lasting influence in your adult relationships.

Whether you're navigating tension with an adult child, offering advice that goes unheard, or feeling dismissed and unheard yourself, this episode will help you step into a more emotionally safe and spiritually grounded way of loving and leading.

You’ll learn:

• The key differences between vertical and horizontal relationships
• How vertical dynamics lead to power struggles, control, and resentment
• Why mutual respect and curiosity are the hallmarks of horizontal connection
• Real-life examples of how to shift your posture in parenting, marriage, and extended family dynamics
• Scripts and tools for asking honest questions without judgment or passive-aggression

From college decisions and faith transitions to cross-generational misunderstandings, Brooke gives you practical language and spiritual wisdom to build bridges—not hierarchies—in your relationships.

Key Questions to Reflect On:

• Where am I trying to control instead of connect?
• Am I offering advice—or asking genuine questions?
• What might change if I stepped out of fear and into trust?

Final Thought:

Your adult children don’t need fixing. They need your presence, curiosity, and love. Horizontal parenting is how you build lasting influence—by pulling up a chair at the table instead of standing on a pedestal.

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