Elevator Systems - Bowen Family Systems Theory

S3 Ep 12 Launching with Erik Thompson

Sep 23, 2025
Guest
Erik Thompson
Join Erik Thompson, a licensed leadership psychologist and founder of Thompson Leadership Development, as he dives deep into the art of launching adult children. He discusses how to prepare for this pivotal stage, balancing connection with independence. Erik highlights the pitfalls of over-helping and the complexities of family dynamics during launches. Cultural variations in parenting postures are explored, shedding light on how personal family histories influence these transitions. Packed with anecdotes and insights, this conversation is a treasure for parents and professionals alike.
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INSIGHT

Launching Is A Multigenerational Balance

  • Bowen theory frames launching as a balance between connection and independence across generations.
  • Family beliefs and societal pressures shape whether children 'grow away' or 'tear away.'
ADVICE

Start Preparing Early For Launching

  • Prepare for your child's launch decades before it happens by shaping your parenting mindset early.
  • Treat parenting as a long game where early habits determine later launching outcomes.
INSIGHT

Children Can Stabilize Marital Anxiety

  • Triangles often stabilize marriages by focusing anxiety on children rather than the couple.
  • Launching can therefore reveal neglected marital issues when children exit those triangles.
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