Judith Smith, discusses her research on how older women experience mothering as they get older and the impact of their adult children's issues on them. Specifically, she focuses on serious mental illness and substance use disorder as the primary issues faced by these mothers.

 Key Takeaways: 

• What do we mean by "Difficult Adult Children"?
• Recognizing and Addressing Mental Illness in Adult Children. 
• Setting Boundaries and Dealing with Guilt and Blame. 
• Support and Resources for Mothers of Difficult Adult Children. 
• Introduction to the Challenges Faced by Parents of Difficult Adult Children. 
• Navigating Boundaries and Emotional Blackmail. 
• Loneliness and the Importance of Finding Words to Communicate. 
• Challenges of Managing a Chaotic Household. 
• Gender Differences in Parenting and Cultural Expectations. 
• Recognizing the Structural Issues and Seeking Support. 

Episode Links:

Difficult: Mothering Challenging Adult Children through Conflict and Change. 

Judith Smith

EPISODE LINKS

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