126: Strained Relationships with Adult Kids
When relationships with our adult kids and stepkids become strained or estranged, our hearts hurt. How did we get here? How do we fix it? Ron Deal talks with Dr. Charlotte Melcher Smith about common themes that contribute to strained relationships and what parents can do to help.
Show Notes
Dr. Charlotte Melcher Smith's book, Life's Third Tri
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About the Guest
Dr. Charlotte Melcher Smith
Prior to becoming a licensed psychologist, our guest and her husband ministered to college students while on the staff of Cru for 19 years. Then she completed her Ph.D. and helped a multitude of hurting souls for 31 years as Clinical Director of Focus on Relationships, Inc., in Lexington, Kentucky. As a therapist, Dr. Melcher counseled both alienated parents and their estranged adult offspring.
After 49 years of marriage and raising three beloved kids, Dr. Melcher was widowed. Six years ago, she met and married Tooger Smith, establishing a blended family with 5 adult children.
Recently Dr. Charlotte Melcher Smith published a book with unique Christian perspectives about the empty nest era of life. She draws parallels between the third trimester of a pregnancy and the challenges of the third stage of adult development. You can find Dr. Melcher Smith’s encouraging book, Life’s Third Tri: Wisdom for Mystified Mothers Who Love Adult Children on Amazon.
About the Host
Ron Deal
Ron Deal is Director of FamilyLife Blended®️ for FamilyLife®️ and President of Smart Stepfamilies™️. He is a family ministry consultant and conducts marriage and family seminars around the country; he specializes in marriage education and stepfamily enrichment. He is one of the most widely read authors on stepfamily living in the country.