Eps 582: Parenting highly dependent adult children with Natalia Aiza

In this episode of the Joyful Courage Podcast, I talk with psychologist and author Natalia Aiza about the emotional and practical challenges of parenting highly dependent young adults. We dive into the ways our own anxiety and desire to protect our kids can lead to unhelpful over-accommodation—and how to lovingly step back without stepping away. Natalia shares insights from her upcoming book and the SPACE model, reminding us that while we can’t force our kids into therapy or independence, we can shift the environment. We explore real-life examples, including turning off the phone at night, reducing codependence, and letting our kids experience natural consequences. If you’ve ever wondered how to support your struggling teen or young adult without enabling them, this episode is full of validation, practical tools, and compassion. Tune in to feel seen and empowered—you are not alone, and your efforts matter.

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