Sample Podcast Questions for Catherine Hickem
- 1
Why do so many parents struggle to evolve their role once their children become adults?
- 2
What does it mean to "grieve your expectations," and why is that so important in adult relationships?
- 3
Can you walk us through the common mistakes parents make with their grown children?
- 4
You’ve spoken about being the “keeper of hope” as a therapist. What does that look like in a family context?
- 5
How did your own family history—both as a daughter and a mother—influence your philosophy on parenting adult children?
- 6
In your experience, what are the real roots of estrangement between parents and adult children?
- 7
How can parents navigate conflicting values—especially around faith, politics, or lifestyle—with their kids?
- 8
You often speak about "reframing"—can you share a practical example of what that looks like for a parent?
- 9
What advice would you give to a parent who wants to reconnect, but doesn't know how to start?
- 10
How can parents balance love and boundaries when they’re watching a child make choices they fear will lead to harm?
Latest episodes
Key topics
Why Parents Must Grieve the Child They Imagined to Truly Love the One They Have
Parents don’t just raise children-they raise dreams. When those dreams collide with reality, whether through career choices, identity shifts, or unexpected turns, unspoken grief often creeps in. Left unacknowledged, this grief can harden into distance, resentment, or even estrangement. Catherine explains why facing this loss is not only natural but essential: it clears the path for genuine acceptance, deeper love, and healthier adult relationships. Drawing from four decades as a psychotherapist and her own experience as a mother, she brings compassion and clarity to a family dynamic most people feel but rarely discuss-making her a rare and credible voice in helping parents move from disappointment to connection.
From Parent to Partner-The Shift Most Families Fail to Make
The hardest part of parenting isn’t the sleepless nights or teenage rebellion-it’s knowing when to step out of the authority role and step into partnership. Too many parents miss the moment when their child no longer needs direction, but respect. The result is tension, distance, or even estrangement. Catherine breaks down what this transition really requires: letting go of control, learning the art of listening, and showing up as a steady ally in adulthood. With four decades as a psychotherapist and her own lived experience as a mother, she offers a rare blend of candor and compassion that helps parents make the leap from managing their children’s lives to being invited into them.
Why Expectations Are the Silent Killers of Parent-Adult Child Connection
It’s rarely the big blowups that fracture families-it’s the quiet weight of unspoken expectations. Holiday gatherings, milestone decisions, and even casual conversations often mask assumptions that leave adult children feeling unseen or judged. Over time, those invisible pressures can be more damaging than outright conflict, eroding trust and driving distance. Catherine explains why expectations must be named and dismantled before real connection can thrive, and how parents can trade silent judgment for honest dialogue and healthy boundaries. With decades as a psychotherapist and a mother who has navigated these very dynamics, she offers a candid roadmap for parents ready to stop sabotaging the very relationships they long to protect.
View all topics →
Latest episodes
Key topics
Why Parents Must Grieve the Child They Imagined to Truly Love the One They Have
Parents don’t just raise children-they raise dreams. When those dreams collide with reality, whether through career choices, identity shifts, or unexpected turns, unspoken grief often creeps in. Left unacknowledged, this grief can harden into distance, resentment, or even estrangement. Catherine explains why facing this loss is not only natural but essential: it clears the path for genuine acceptance, deeper love, and healthier adult relationships. Drawing from four decades as a psychotherapist and her own experience as a mother, she brings compassion and clarity to a family dynamic most people feel but rarely discuss-making her a rare and credible voice in helping parents move from disappointment to connection.
From Parent to Partner-The Shift Most Families Fail to Make
The hardest part of parenting isn’t the sleepless nights or teenage rebellion-it’s knowing when to step out of the authority role and step into partnership. Too many parents miss the moment when their child no longer needs direction, but respect. The result is tension, distance, or even estrangement. Catherine breaks down what this transition really requires: letting go of control, learning the art of listening, and showing up as a steady ally in adulthood. With four decades as a psychotherapist and her own lived experience as a mother, she offers a rare blend of candor and compassion that helps parents make the leap from managing their children’s lives to being invited into them.
Why Expectations Are the Silent Killers of Parent-Adult Child Connection
It’s rarely the big blowups that fracture families-it’s the quiet weight of unspoken expectations. Holiday gatherings, milestone decisions, and even casual conversations often mask assumptions that leave adult children feeling unseen or judged. Over time, those invisible pressures can be more damaging than outright conflict, eroding trust and driving distance. Catherine explains why expectations must be named and dismantled before real connection can thrive, and how parents can trade silent judgment for honest dialogue and healthy boundaries. With decades as a psychotherapist and a mother who has navigated these very dynamics, she offers a candid roadmap for parents ready to stop sabotaging the very relationships they long to protect.
View all topics →