Mom + Daughter Communication Tips with guest Alta-Grace Tan, PsyD
In this episode, Alyssa and Nadia welcome special guest Alta-Grace Tan, a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and family relationships. Together, they dive into the evolving dynamic between parents and their adult children, discussing the challenges of communication, independence, and setting healthy boundaries.
The conversation covers how parents can support their kids without overstepping, why young adults still turn to their parents for advice, and how to maintain closeness despite different lifestyles and time zones. With humor, real-life stories, and expert insights from Grace, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the transition from childhood to adulthood within their family.
Takeaways
Parent-child dynamics evolve as kids transition into adulthood.
Many young adults still turn to their parents for advice but struggle with balancing independence and reliance.
Time zones, schedules, and life responsibilities can make communication between parents and kids more challenging.
Parents often feel the urge to immediately solve their child’s problems, but sometimes, kids need space to figure things out.
The shift from dependence to independence requires mutual understanding and trust.
Parents can help by using "I" statements instead of judgment to keep conversations open and supportive.
Every family has a different communication style—some talk daily, while others check in monthly, and that's okay.
Setting healthy boundaries is key to maintaining a strong relationship without overstepping.
Shared experiences—whether traveling together or co-hosting a podcast—help maintain closeness despite different lifestyles.
Love and support don't always mean agreement; it’s about being there, even when perspectives differ.
Chapters
00:10 – Introducing Guest: Psychologist Alta-Grace Tan
01:12 – The Struggles of Parent-Child Communication in Adulthood
02:42 – Finding Balance Between Independence & Seeking Advice
06:15 – Why Parents Feel the Need to Solve Every Problem
09:01 – How to Offer Support Without Overstepping
12:00 – The Role of Boundaries in Parent-Adult Child Relationships
14:23 – Using "I" Statements to Prevent Conflict
17:26 – The Importance of Shared Experiences in Maintaining Closeness
21:57 – How Often Should Parents & Kids Communicate?
24:30 – Navigating Different Expectations for Communication
27:41 – Final Thoughts & Advice for Strengthening Relationships
Here is the website where you can request an appointment with Dr. Tan:
