Parenting doesn’t stop when our children grow up. In fact, for many moms, the transition into parenting adult children brings new challenges—communication shifts, boundaries change, and sometimes, relationships feel distant. But here’s the good news: your words, love, and encouragement still have a powerful impact.
A recent study published in JAMA Open Network (Jan 2025) revealed a sobering reality that the death rates among young adults aged 25-44 have tripled since 1999. Many of these deaths are linked to stress-related issues, loneliness, substance use, and mental health struggles. Our adult children are navigating an increasingly challenging world, but as moms, we can be a steady source of love, encouragement, and support.
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So, how do we show up for them in a way that strengthens our connection and builds their confidence? Here are seven practical ways to encourage your adult son or daughter—so they feel supported, valued, and deeply loved.
Restored Bond: Lisa & Her Son, Marcus
Lisa, a mother of three, had always been close to her youngest son, Marcus. But after college, their relationship grew distant. He rarely returned her calls, and when he did, he seemed distracted or even irritated. Lisa worried about him. Was he struggling? Did he still feel loved?
One day, instead of pressing him for answers, Lisa simply sent a message: “Marcus, I just want you to know I love you, and I’m so proud of you. No pressure to respond. Just thinking of you.”
A few days later, Marcus called her. “Mom, that message meant a lot. I’ve been feeling overwhelmed, so it’s nice to know someone is in my corner.” That small act of encouragement opened the door for deeper conversations and restored their bond.
7 Powerful Ways to Encourage Your Adult Son or Daughter
1. Speak Life Over Them
Words have power. Your words shape your adult son or daughter’s confidence and self-worth, even if they don’t express it. Many young adults are battling silent insecurities and need to hear they are capable and loved. So try this, instead of pointing out what’s wrong, highlight their strengths. Send a text like, “I see how hard you’re working. I’m proud of you.” Or “I love you.”
Anchor Scripture: The tongue has the power of life and death. – Proverbs 18:21
? Prayer: Lord, help me speak words that bring life, healing, and hope to my child. Amen
2. Be a Safe Space, Not a Judge
If your adult children feel that every conversation is a lecture, they may avoid your calls. They need to know they can come to you without fear of judgment. When they open up, resist the urge to give advice immediately. Instead, say, “That sounds really tough. I’m here for you.”
Anchor Scripture: Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. – James 1:19
? Prayer: God, help me listen with patience and grace. Remove any critical spirit in me. Amen
3. Show Up Consistently
Your presence still matters, even if your adult son or daughter seems distant. A simple “thinking of you” text can mean the world. Don’t wait for them to reach out. Send them a text like, “No need to respond, just wanted to say I love you.”
Anchor Scripture: Encourage one another… and spur one another toward love and good deeds. – Hebrews 10:24-25
? Prayer: Lord, remind me to pursue my child with unconditional love. Amen
4. Acknowledge Their Struggles Without Trying to Fix Them
As moms, we love to fix things. But sometimes, your child doesn’t need a solution. They need to feel heard. Instead of saying, “You should…” try, “I can only imagine how tough that is.”
Anchor Scripture: The Lord is close to the brokenhearted. – Psalm 34:18
? Prayer: Father, let my child feel Your nearness in their struggles. Amen
5. Pray for Them Daily
Even if your adult children resist advice, they cannot stop you from praying for them. Prayer is the most powerful way we fight for them. Consider keeping a prayer journal and write down specific prayers for your adult son or daughter.
Anchor Scripture: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and supplication, present your requests to God. – Philippians 4:6-7
? Prayer: Lord, I entrust my child into Your hands. Cover them in Your protection. Amen
6. Celebrate Their Progress, Not Just Their Success
Encouragement isn’t just for achievements. It’s also for growth. Even small steps forward deserve recognition. So try this to encourage your son or daughter, “I love watching you grow into the person God created you to be.”
Anchor Scripture: Do not despise these small beginnings. – Zechariah 4:10
? Prayer: God, help me see and celebrate my child’s growth, even in small steps. Amen
7. Remind Them of Their Worth
So many young adults struggle with self-worth. Remind them who they are in Christ by sending them a verse or voice memo that says, “You are deeply loved, no matter what.”
Anchor Scripture: Nothing can separate us from the love of God. – Romans 8:38-39
? Prayer: Father, let my child know they are cherished beyond measure. Amen.
Encouragement Changes Everything
Your love and encouragement can be a lifeline for your adult child. Even if they don’t always show it, they need you. Keep speaking life, keep showing up, and most of all, keep praying.
Final Prayer: A Mother’s Prayer for Her Adult Child
Heavenly Father,
I come before you today, lifting up my precious son/daughter. Lord, you know their struggles—the pressures, uncertainties, and silent battles that weigh on their hearts. But I thank you that You are near them, guiding, loving, and holding them even when they feel lost.
Father, help me to speak life over them and use my words to uplift, encourage, and strengthen their spirit (Proverbs 18:21). When I am tempted to correct or criticize, remind me that my role is to be a safe space, not a judge (James 1:19). Give me wisdom to listen with patience and grace, knowing that my presence matters more than my advice.
Lord, I ask that you give me the consistency to show up for my child, even when they seem distant (Hebrews 10:24-25). Help me to pursue them with love, just as you pursue us. And when they are struggling, give me the strength to acknowledge their pain without always trying to fix it (Psalm 34:18). Let them know that they are not alone, that I am here for them, and most importantly, that you are always near.
Father, I place my adult children in your hands. I commit to praying for them daily and trusting that you are working in their life, even when I cannot see it (Philippians 4:6-7). Remind me that my prayers are powerful and that no distance, disagreement, or circumstance is too great for Your love to reach them.
Lord, give me eyes to celebrate their progress, not just their success (Zechariah 4:10). Help me to affirm their small steps forward, to remind them that growth takes time, and to always be their biggest cheerleader. And above all, let me never forget to remind them of their worth in you (Romans 8:38-39). May they know, deep in their soul, that nothing, absolutely nothing—can separate them from Your love.
Father, I release my child into Your hands. I trust you with their future, struggles, hopes, and heart. And I ask that You continue to guide me as their mother and show me how to love them well in this season of life. In Jesus’ mighty and precious name, Amen.
Let’s Connect!
Which of these 7 ways spoke to you the most? Share in the comments! And if you’re looking for a community of Christian moms supporting each other, join my online group, Hidden Treasures, for prayer, encouragement, and connection.
God’s blessings and peace to you!
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Join the Hidden Treasures Community!
Moms, you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. If you’re looking for encouragement, Prayer, and connection with other Christian moms who understand the challenges of parenting adult children, I invite you to join our online community, Hidden Treasures. https://Hiddentreasuresandriches.com/go/join
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