What does it really mean to "meet your kids where they are"—and what happens when you do? Every single child is unique. Correction. Every human being is unique. The difference is, a child has a better chance of holding onto their uniqueness, discovering their individual strengths, and walking their own path, if they have a parent who is willing to nurture that.

Many adults are too far gone. (Sorry for my brutal honesty). They've been immersed in the expectations and timelines of a society that doesn't favor diversity. Conformity has ruled their lives for so long. And unfortunately they expect their children to do the same.

But if you are a parent like my guest Anita Allen, you embrace your children and meet them where they are, with your whole heart.

In this episode, I asked my guest very personal questions, and held space for her to share her inspiring parenting journey with us. I truly appreciated listening to how Anita learned to ignore timelines, trust her instincts, and support her children’s unique paths of self-discovery, growth and independence - on their terms. Believe me, every parent can learn something from Anita.

Whether you're raising a neurodivergent child or a neurotypical one - and the differences will be made very clear in this episode, Anita’s beautiful insights will stay with you. Maybe they'll even inspire you.

If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re doing enough, doing too much or doing what's right for your child—this episode is for you. I am so grateful that I was able to get to know Anita. I hope you listen to her, right till the end, because it just gets better and better.

Finally, if you know someone who can benefit from Anita's experience and her parenting approach please share this. It could change a child's life.

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How to Connect With Anita Allen

Email: Hello@anitaallen.ca

Website: www.anitaallen.ca

Horse Among Zebras: anitaallen.substack.com

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Do you want to know if your adult child is struggling with Failure to Launch? Grab the free Failure to Launch Checklist here: https://parentingfx.com/pages/ftl-checklist

For a complimentary 15 minute consultation, email: Shari@ParentingFX.com

Click here to receive Shari's Free LAUNCH Advice Newsletter

🎙️Remember to hit the SUBSCRIBE button so you never miss an episode.

Shari can be found on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. Follow her for Real Talk, No BS Parenting Tips.

Search for: @sharijonaslifefx

Do you find yourself wondering why your adult child hasn’t reached the milestones others seem to have hit already—college, career, independence? Maybe you’re hearing other parents talk about their thriving young adults while you’re silently thinking, “Why is mine still stuck?”

Here’s the hard truth: comparing your child to their peers, siblings or even your own expectations isn’t helping them. And while it might come from a place of love and concern, it often lands as disapproval, disappointment, and pressure.

In this powerful episode, I’ll walk you through:

• The Comparison Trap and it's silent message
• The ways it damages your child’s self-worth and motivation
• Why it’s so common to compare, especially when you’re worried they aren't “launching” into adulthood
• What to say and do instead that actually helps build confidence and growth
• How to reconnect with your adult child by seeing them on their timeline—not yours or anyone else’s.

If your adult child is still living at home, struggling to find their path—this episode will help you shift out of comparison mode and into connection and self-discovery. It’s time to start appreciating and empowering them for who they are, their unique qualities and individual strengths —because progress starts with a new perspective, having "fresh eyes" on the late bloomer that is your child.

Here are the 2 online personality surveys mentioned in the episode:

VIA Character Strengths Survey - https://www.viacharacter.org/

Clifton Strengths - https://shorturl.at/Yik0Q

Do you want to know if your adult child is struggling with Failure to Launch? Grab the free Failure to Launch Checklist here: https://parentingfx.com/pages/ftl-checklist

For a complimentary 15 minute consultation, email: Shari@ParentingFX.com

Click here to receive Shari's Free LAUNCH Advice Newsletter

🎙️Remember to hit the SUBSCRIBE button so you never miss an episode.

Shari can be found on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. Follow her for Real Talk, No BS Parenting Tips.

Search for: @sharijonaslifefx

When my kid first started playing video games, it was a great way for them to unwind. It also gave me peace of mind, knowing they were staying out of trouble. At the time, it didn’t seem like a problem, they still had other activities in their life, and they only played a few hours a day. But now it’s all my adult child wants to do, it’s all they talk about, and the only friends they spend time with are the ones on the other end of their headset. I’m really beginning to worry. I’ve tried everything, but nothing I say matters. I can’t stop wondering; is my child is addicted to video games? What are the signs? And, how can I help them?

If this sounds like the voice in your head, this episode will give you the clarity and answers that you are seeking. I’m joined by my guest Elaine Uskoski, a mother who lived through the nightmare of her son’s video game addiction.

In this deeply personal and eye-opening conversation, Elaine shares what it was like to watch her adult child spiral into isolation, anxiety, and dependency. She opens up about the warning signs she didn’t recognize at first, the difficult decisions she had to make, and how she was able to overcome this challenging period in her family’s life.

Her journey through this crisis didn’t just change her son’s life—it transformed hers. Today, Elaine is a passionate advocate and coach for other parents facing the same battle, helping them navigate the complex world of video game addiction and screen overuse.

If you’ve been questioning whether your adult child’s gaming has gone too far and you are ready to get them help, this episode is your chance to hear from someone who’s been there. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Help is available.

Please share this video with someone who might need to hear it.

About My Guest

Elaine Uskoski is an award-winning, internationally recognized speaker who specializes in raising awareness about video gaming addiction. Her journey into this field began in 2014, when her youngest son, Jake, developed a severe gaming addiction while away at university—a crisis so serious, it nearly cost him his life.

With a background in social services and holistic health, Elaine created a personalized recovery plan that helped Jake heal—and that life-altering experience became the catalyst for her work as a Parenting Coach helping other families who are dealing with their children’s compulsive gaming behavior.

She’s the author of two impactful books: Seeing Through the Cracks and Cyber Sober: A Caregiver’s Guide to Video Gaming Addiction. Elaine has been featured on many major media outlets, and most recently received the Silver Award in Therapy & Counseling for her outstanding work dedicated to video gaming addiction at a global summit for Women in Business.

How to reach Elaine Uskoski

Email: elaineuskoski@gmail.com

Cell: 226-337-2070

Media - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyErmDsuBo0

Elaine's Website - https://eyespyhealth.ca/

Do you want to know if your adult child is struggling with Failure to Launch? Grab the free Failure to Launch Checklist here: https://parentingfx.com/pages/ftl-checklist

For a complimentary 15 minute consultation, email: Shari@ParentingFX.com

Click here to receive Shari's Free LAUNCH Advice Newsletter

🎙️Remember to hit the SUBSCRIBE button so you never miss an episode.

Shari can be found on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. Follow her for Real Talk, No BS Parenting Tips.

Search for: @sharijonaslifefx