Parent Coaches Unleashed

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As your children grow into young adults, the way you support them has to grow, too. In this episode of Parent Coaches Unleashed, Jessica Anger and Carrie Wiesenfeld share honest stories about the challenging work of listening more, resisting the urge to fix, and letting their sons make important decisions for themselves.

Jessica describes how her son Jackson took four days to choose between two college fraternities. Though she and her husband had their own hopes, they made space for Jaxon to weigh his options, ask questions, and decide what felt right for him. Carrie shares how her son Devin asked for help thinking through a possible job change. Together, they listened, made a pros-and-cons list, and considered what was still unknown—without making the decision for him.

The conversation explores how parents can be a sounding board rather than the decision-maker: ask whether your child wants advice or simply to be heard, give them room to explain their thinking, and offer structure without taking over. Jessica and Carrie also reflect on why it can feel so hard to hold back, how parents’ emotions can become tied to their children’s choices, and the pride that comes from watching a young adult work through a decision independently.

This isn’t presented as a quick or effortless transformation. Jessica and Carrie acknowledge that their families’ paths included challenges, and that learning to parent emerging adults takes practice. Their stories offer reassurance for parents navigating the transition from managing a child’s choices to supporting a more independent young person—with hope that even a bumpy path can lead toward greater confidence and autonomy.

🔗 Connect with Jessica Anger and Carrie Wiesenfeld:
Instagram | [email protected]
Soaring Hawk Life Coaching |  Ocean Waves Parenting

Send us an email @ [email protected]

Carrie Wiesenfeld and Jessica Anger welcome back Kim Muench, certified parent coach and founder of Real Life Parent Guide, to talk about her new book, Lost in Place: How to Support, Motivate, and Launch an Adult Child. The conversation focuses on what changes when kids become adults, especially when they are still living at home, struggling with independence, or dealing with mental health concerns.

Kim Muench is a certified parent coach who specializes in helping parents of emerging and adult children navigate challenges involving independence, mental health, substance use, motivation, and the transition into adulthood. She is the founder of Real Life Parent Guide and the author of Lost in Place: How to Support, Motivate, and Launch an Adult Child.

In this episode, Kim shares a practical, compassionate framework for parents who want to support their adult children without taking responsibility for their lives. The discussion covers boundaries, family dynamics, mental health, and how to respond when adult children push back.

Key topics

• Kim explains why she prefers the term “lost in place” over “failure to launch,” framing the issue as a developmental delay rather than a final judgment.
• She defines “emerging adulthood” as the post-high-school phase before financial and physical independence, noting that it can now extend into the early 30s.
• The hosts and Kim discuss how adult children may boomerang home after living independently, creating emotional and financial strain for parents.
• Kim emphasizes that parents cannot control an adult child’s behavior, only their own boundaries and responses.
• She introduces her four Cs framework for parents: clarity, calm, confidence, and consistency.
• In a financial rescue scenario, Kim advises parents to stop panicking, identify the pattern, and return responsibility to the adult child by asking, “What do you see are your options?”
• Kim discusses how fear of self-harm, guilt, and parents’ inability to tolerate their own anxiety often keep them stuck in enabling patterns.
• For adult children struggling with anxiety or depression, Kim recommends assessing the actual level of functioning, the quality of the relationship, and whether professional support is in place.
• She suggests small relational shifts like pausing before replying to late-night text floods and building connection through low-pressure shared activities.
• When a parent sets a boundary and the adult child reacts angrily, Kim says the boundary is still valid and parents should not collapse under guilt or over-explain themselves.
• She explains that family living agreements can work well, but only if parents stay consistent and do not undermine one another.
• Kim encourages parents to see anger and other difficult emotions as part of the process, not as proof that they are doing something wrong.
• Her biggest takeaway: parents need an open mind and a willingness to shift out of old generational habits and into a more relational, less controlling approach.

Link to Kim's new book, Lost in Place:How to Support, Motivate, and Launch an Adult Child

https://a.co/d/02lbnnpU

🔗 Connect with Jessica Anger and Carrie Wiesenfeld:
Instagram | [email protected]
Soaring Hawk Life Coaching |  Ocean Waves Parenting

Send us an email @ [email protected]

Summary

Most parents wait too long to talk about consent, boundaries, and sexting—and by then, kids may already be navigating pressure alone. Tiffany Braxton turns one of the hardest conversations in parenting into something teens will actually pick up: a comic book that teaches self-advocacy, healthy boundaries, and what respectful relationships really look like.

On this episode of Parent Coaches Unleashed, Jessica Anger and Carrie Wiesenfeld talk with Tiffany about how her own healing journey and teaching background led her to create Consent Comics, an illustrated nonfiction series designed to help kids recognize pressure, trust their instincts, and say no without shame.

Tiffany shares why comics work so well for a scrolling generation, how she created Zay—a genderless character kids can see themselves in—and why the stories are intentionally written to feel real rather than preachy.

You’ll discover:

• Why Tiffany chose comics instead of a traditional consent book
• How she created a character that invites every reader in
• Three different story paths showing what happens when boundaries are crossed, respected, or repaired
• How thought bubbles help kids name what they feel
• Why apologies and meaningful repair matter
• How Tiffany is working on a new comic about sextortion and digital safety
• How parents can begin age-appropriate conversations about consent at home
• Why children need to feel respected in order to feel safe speaking up

This episode is essential listening for parents, caregivers, therapists, and anyone raising kids in a world where internet access can change everything. Tiffany’s work offers families a practical way to begin safer, more honest conversations about boundaries, relationships, online pressure, and self-advocacy.

Tiffany Braxton is the author of Consent Comics, an illustrated nonfiction series that teaches consent, boundaries, and self-advocacy through relatable storytelling. She is also a survivor and educator whose work is helping kids, parents, and therapists start important conversations.

https://consentcomics.com/

🔗 Connect with Jessica Anger and Carrie Wiesenfeld:
Instagram | [email protected]
Soaring Hawk Life Coaching |  Ocean Waves Parenting

Send us an email @ [email protected]

In this episode of Parent Coaches Unleashed , and in collaboration with Different Brains, Jessica Anger and Carrie Wiesenfeld speak with Bea Moise, a certified cognitive specialist, parent coach, three-time author, and the mother of two neurodivergent children. Bea is known for helping families, educators, and organizations better understand cognitive differences with practical, evidence-based strategies that replace shame with support. Her work is shaped by both professional expertise and lived experience, making her an especially insightful guide for parents navigating ADHD, autism, anxiety, dyslexia, and executive functioning challenges.

The conversation centers on how parents can better understand neurodivergence across childhood, adolescence, and college, and why “just focus” is not a useful answer for many families.

https://beatricemoise.com/

https://differentbrains.org/

🔗 Connect with Jessica Anger and Carrie Wiesenfeld:
Instagram | [email protected]
Soaring Hawk Life Coaching |  Ocean Waves Parenting

Send us an email @ [email protected]

Raising strong young men is harder than ever, and the biggest threats are not always the ones parents expect. Licensed professional counselor Trey Tucker breaks down why anxiety, isolation, gambling, pornography, and overprotection can quietly shape boys long before parents realize what is happening.

Host Jessica Anger and Carrie dig into the pressures facing boys and young men today, from the early-twenties identity crash after college to the hidden ways phones and social media fuel addiction. Trey explains why moms are often the key gateway to reaching sons, why therapy for guys has to sound practical instead of clinical, and how simple analogies like "an oil change for your brain" can make mental health finally land.

You’ll discover:

• Why the early twenties are such a vulnerable transition for young men
• How parents can model emotional honesty without forcing a lecture
• Why anxiety is more like a check engine light than an enemy
• How helicopter and snowplow parenting can unintentionally weaken resilience
• What makes gambling and porn especially dangerous in a phone-first world
• The red flags parents should watch for, from isolation to secretive app use

Trey also shares why addiction is usually a symptom of an unmet need, why connection is the real antidote, and how fathers, mentors, uncles, coaches, and other male role models can help fill the gap when a young man needs strength from another man. If you’re raising boys, mentoring them, or trying to understand what today’s culture is doing to young people, this conversation is essential listening.

Perfect for parents who want practical tools, honest language, and a clearer path to helping sons become strong, grounded adults without rescuing them from every hard thing.

Trey Tucker is a licensed professional counselor and founder of Rugged Counseling. He is also the author of Tough Enough, a book written specifically for men in their 20s and focused on mental health in a way that actually reaches them.

Instagram: @ruggedcounseling

🔗 Connect with Jessica Anger and Carrie Wiesenfeld:
Instagram | [email protected]
Soaring Hawk Life Coaching |  Ocean Waves Parenting

Send us an email @ [email protected]

Summary

Most parents don’t realize how quickly e-bikes, electric scooters, and summer freedom can turn into serious legal and safety issues for kids. In this episode, Captain Michele McCardle shares what every parent needs to know about the difference between e-bikes and electric motorcycles, the risks of unsupervised riding, and the liability parents may face when something goes wrong.

The conversation also covers cyberbullying, sexting, online predators, and how to talk to kids about risky behavior before it becomes a crisis. If you want practical guidance on keeping your children safer this summer, this episode gives you the clarity, boundaries, and real-world advice you need.

🔗 Connect with Jessica Anger and Carrie Wiesenfeld:
Instagram | [email protected]
Soaring Hawk Life Coaching |  Ocean Waves Parenting

Send us an email @ [email protected]

Summary

In this episode of Parent Coaches Unleashed, hosts Carrie Wiesenfeld and Jessica Anger welcome Harlan Cohen, a New York Times bestselling author and expert on the college experience. The conversation delves into the unique challenges students face as they transition to college, the role of parents in supporting their children, and the importance of resilience in the face of rejection. Harlan shares valuable insights on how parents can guide their children through this pivotal time, emphasizing the need for open communication, understanding, and patience. The discussion also touches on the significance of building relationships with professors, navigating loneliness, and embracing the curvy paths that each student's journey may take. Harlan's practical advice and personal anecdotes provide a roadmap for parents and students alike, making this episode a must-listen for anyone preparing for the college experience.

Takeaways

• Harlan Cohen emphasizes the importance of meeting kids where they are in their unique experiences.
• Parents should focus on guiding their children rather than directing them.
• Understanding that struggles belong to the child while victories belong to the parent can help maintain a healthy dynamic.
• The first year of college is often filled with loneliness, and it's crucial to prepare students for this reality.
• Rejection is a natural part of life, and learning to cope with it is essential for personal growth.
• Students should approach new experiences with curiosity rather than a need to be accepted.
• Building relationships with professors can significantly impact a student's success.
• Parents should allow their children to experience natural consequences to foster independence.
• The college experience is not just about academics; social and emotional aspects are equally important.
• Every child's journey is different, and comparisons can be detrimental.

Contact Harlan Cohen

Instagram: @harlancohen

Facebook: @helpmeharlan

Tik Tok: @helpmeharlan

Podcast: The Harlan Cohen Podcast

www.harlancohen.com

Books: 

The Naked Roommate: And 107 Other Issues You Might Run Into in College

Win or Learn: The Naked Truth About Turning Every Event into Your Ultimate Success

The Happiest Kid on Campus

Getting Naked: Five Steps to Finding the Love of Your Life (While Fully Clothed ans Sober)

Dad's Expecting Too: Expectant Fathers, Expectant Mothers, New Dads and New Moms Share Advice

🔗 Connect with Jessica Anger and Carrie Wiesenfeld:
Instagram | [email protected]
Soaring Hawk Life Coaching |  Ocean Waves Parenting

Send us an email @ [email protected]

Summary

In this episode of Parent Coaches Unleashed, hosts Jessica Anger and Carrie Wiesenfeld welcome Jane Kaufman, a mother of two young adults, one of whom is neurodivergent. The conversation explores Jane's journey navigating the complexities of raising a child with autism, the importance of community support, and the challenges of finding appropriate therapies and resources. Jane shares personal anecdotes, insights on family dynamics, and advice for parents facing similar challenges. The discussion emphasizes the significance of self-care, humor, and trusting one's instincts in the parenting journey.

Takeaways

• The importance of community support for parents of neurodivergent children.
• Therapies and early intervention can significantly impact a child's development.
• Family dynamics play a crucial role in supporting neurodivergent individuals.
• Navigating medical professionals can be challenging; trust your instincts.
• Self-care is essential for parents managing overwhelming situations.
• It's okay to feel overwhelmed and seek help from others.
• Building independence in neurodivergent children is a gradual process.
• Sibling relationships can be complex but are vital for emotional support.
• Using humor can help cope with the challenges of parenting.
• Every child's journey is unique; avoid comparisons with others.

titles

🔗 Connect with Jessica Anger and Carrie Wiesenfeld:
Instagram | [email protected]
Soaring Hawk Life Coaching |  Ocean Waves Parenting

Send us an email @ [email protected]

Kim Muench, a Certified Parent Coach and founder of Real Life Parent Guide, helps parents of emerging adults improve communication and set boundaries. A mother of five, Kim coaches with compassion, clarity, and zero judgment, empowering parents to lead with intention, not fear. Kim is the author of Becoming Me While Raising You, a conscious parenting expert featured globally. She promotes parenting "with" rather than "over." Find her at www.reallifeparentguide.com and follow her 225K+ TikTok and 115K+ Instagram followers.

Today, they explore why parenting teens and young adults can feel isolating, the societal barriers to parents asking for help, and the power of shifting from attempting to control your child to strengthening yourself as a parent. Kim shares candid reflections from her book, her personal journey parenting her own children through addiction and mental health issues, and the transformative impact of boundaries, self-reflection, and emotional validation. The episode closes with a look at Kim’s new projects, including an interactive guide and coach certification for her niche.

Takeaways

1. Invest in Yourself as a Parent
2. Confident Leadership Matters
3. Boundaries and Letting Go

Timestamps

00:00 Helping Parents of Stuck Adults

05:10 TikTok Success Through Personal Stories

07:36 Parents: Prioritize Self-Investment

11:03 Parental Guilt Over Unguided Son

15:14 Mom's Support Without Financial Aid

18:12 "Parenting: Guiding, Not Controlling"

23:01 "Challenges Shape Character and Resilience"

25:00 Supporting Kids Through Hard Times

28:05 Parental Control Ruins Future Relationships

30:51 "Childhood Perspectives and Growth"

34:38 Reflective and Empowering Parenting Choices

37:57 "Empowering Parents with a Plan"

41:25 Non-Negotiable Parenting Stance

45:30 Resilient Self-Reliance at 37

48:04 Parental Emotional Influence

51:38 Parenting Challenges and Spousal Dynamics

53:18 "Lost in Place" Release Anticipation

56:31 "Parent Coaches Unleashed Finale"

🔗 Connect with Kim Muench:

Website: https://www.reallifeparentguide.com 

Instagram: @kimmuenchparentcoach

🔗 Connect with Jessica Anger and Carrie Wiesenfeld:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parent_coaches_unleashed

Email: [email protected]

Soaring Hawk Life Coaching: https://www.soaringhawklifecoaching.com

Ocean Wave Parenting: https://www.oceanwavesparenting.com

🔗 Connect with Jessica Anger and Carrie Wiesenfeld:
Instagram | [email protected]
Soaring Hawk Life Coaching |  Ocean Waves Parenting

Send us an email @ [email protected]

Summary

Teaching children about their bodies and hygiene works best when parents model behaviors rather than point out flaws or impose rules. Over time, kids internalize standards through observation more effectively than through criticism.

Relying on modeling fosters genuine confidence and autonomy, reducing the risk of shame or rebellion. It shifts the parent’s role from policing to guiding, which has lasting effects on self-esteem and self-care habits.

Instead of pointing out blemishes or hair growth, parents demonstrate routines like skincare or proper hygiene, then let kids take lead as they grow, encouraging self-awareness without judgment.

🔗 Connect with Jessica Anger and Carrie Wiesenfeld:
Instagram | [email protected]
Soaring Hawk Life Coaching |  Ocean Waves Parenting