Raised You, Not Your Kids — with Evette

This episode tackles a subtle but corrosive dynamic: the adult child who keeps a mental ledger of everything you have ever done for them—and everything you haven't. Renee and Marcus explore what happens when generosity becomes an entitlement, and past help is weaponized to pressure you into future sacrifices. Using a clearly hypothetical family situation, they unpack the parent's exhaustion and the adult child's unspoken fears, without assigning blanket blame. You'll hear how to gently challenge the scorekeeping mindset, reset the relationship from transaction to genuine connection, and protect your time without feeling like you're failing your family. The conversation covers practical steps to name the pattern, shift the terms of the conversation, and offer help from a place of choice rather than obligation. If you've ever felt like your love is being measured in favors, this episode gives you the words to change the conversation.

Every parent knows the moment: your adult child rolls their eyes, sighs, or snaps at you over something small — and suddenly you feel like you're back in the teenage years, except now you're supposed to be an equal. This episode tackles the quiet, persistent disrespect that shows up in tone, body language, and dismissive words, not just in big blowups. Renee and Marcus walk through a realistic scenario where a mother calls out her grown daughter for a sarcastic comment about dinner plans, and the daughter fires back with 'You're so sensitive.' Together they unpack what's really happening under that disrespect — often fear, exhaustion, or old habits — and how parents can name it without shaming. They offer three practical steps to address disrespect in the moment, plus one exact boundary sentence that keeps the conversation open instead of slamming it shut. The goal isn't to win an argument; it's to reset the relationship on mutual respect. No finger-pointing, no guilt trips — just clear, calm, and direct communication that protects the parent's dignity without pushing the child away.

Raising you didn't sign me up to raise yours.

In Episode 2, Akele, Renee, and Marcus say the quiet part out loud: loving your grandkids doesn't make you a full-time daycare. The panel breaks down the three sentences every parent of grown kids needs in their pocket — I'm a parent, not a daycare. Respect goes both ways. And no, without the guilt. Real talk on surprise second shifts, house rules for grown kids under your roof, and setting limits without losing the love.

Raised You, Not Your Kids — new episodes weekly. Join the conversation free in the Starter Nest Community: starternestcommunity.app

When your adult child asks for money for the third time this year, it's rarely just about the cash. This episode breaks down the real conversation hiding underneath the request: expectations, independence, and the silent promise many parents feel they made. Renee and Marcus walk through a completely hypothetical situation where a parent feels tapped out and a grown child feels abandoned, and they show how both sides can be true without anyone being the villain. You'll get three practical steps to move from resentment to a clear agreement, plus one exact sentence you can say the next time a request lands in your lap. No guilt trips, no lectures, no pretending money isn't awkward. Just honest talk about how to keep love and support voluntary, sustainable, and respectful on both sides. If you've ever felt like 'yes' is the only acceptable answer, this episode gives you permission to pause, clarify, and choose.