# 170 - Let Them Fail: Parenting Adult Children

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-barn-philosopher-7027188/170-let-them-fail-parenting-adult-children
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-barn-philosopher-7027188/170-let-them-fail-parenting-adult-children.md
Podcast: [The Barn Philosopher](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-barn-philosopher-7027188)
Published: 2026-04-09T02:14:02+00:00
Episode link: https://thebarnphilosopher.podbean.com/e/170-let-them-fail-parenting-adult-children/
Audio file: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/bcpsiexhbviiy82a/FIN_Let_Fail_Rita8hdyi.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-barn-philosopher-7027188/episodes/170-let-them-fail-parenting-adult-children
Duration seconds: 1869

## Resource

In this episode of The Barn Philosopher, Shelby and Rita talk about one of the harder parts of parenting — what to do when your kids are grown and making their own decisions. Do you step in and offer advice, or step back and let them learn the hard way? The conversation moves through the tension of wanting to help while knowing that experience is often the best teacher. They reflect on their own perspective as Gen X parents, and how sometimes the instinct is to let things play out — even if it means watching your kids struggle a bit when they won’t take your advice. It’s not about not caring. It’s about knowing when to speak up, when to stay quiet, and trusting that lessons learned the hard way tend to stick. If this episode hits home, share it with someone navigating the same stage of life. Follow the show, leave a rating, and remember — sometimes the best thing you can do is let them figure it out.

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## Transcript

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