In American culture, we send our children off to college, thus beginning a phase of life called emerging adulthood. This period can begin around age 18 and continue until the child is 30 or more, when he or she begins to settle into an independent life and career. This period of transition can be understood as a “dance” between parent and child. Sometimes the parent leads the dance, and often the child begins to lead. Often, parents and children step on one another’s toes while struggling to adapt to changing roles and responsibilities. During this period, your job as a parent undergoes a sea change. Your role shifts from that of an advisor to one of a consultant. As a parent, you feel less needed; even superfluous as your child becomes increasingly self-directed and independent, and yet, if you are open to it and listening carefully, you might find that your emerging adult still needs you in new ways. At Common Sense Therapy, we work with the family system, coaching parents to develop communication strategies and skills.