In this episode of Family Troubles, I sit down with Professor Judith R. Smith to discuss her book, Difficult: Mothering Challenging Adult Children Through Conflict and Change. Drawing from years of research and interviews, Judith explores what it means to parent an adult child struggling with mental illness, addiction, unemployment, estrangement, and ongoing instability.

We talk about the emotional reality many mothers quietly carry, the chronic fear, guilt, exhaustion, ambivalence, and grief that can come with loving a child you cannot “fix.” Judith also challenges common ideas like “tough love” and highlights the larger social systems that leave families carrying impossible burdens alone.

Listen for more on:

• How mothers often tie their sense of self to their children’s wellbeing
• Why “tough love” can fail families facing mental illness or addiction
• The concept of chronic sorrow and ongoing grief in parenting
• How guilt and self blame shape difficult parent-child relationships
• Why small boundaries and self care matter for overwhelmed parents
• The importance of community, support groups, and reducing shame

Tune into this episode of Family Troubles for a thoughtful conversation about difficult parenting, resilience, and finding support in the middle of uncertainty.

Guest Links:
Website: https://www.difficultmothering.com/
Book: Difficult: Mothering Challenging Adult Children Through Conflict and Change
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/difficultmothering/

Dr. Joshua Coleman’s Links:
Website: http://www.drjoshuacoleman.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.josh.coleman
Substack: https://substack.com/@joshuacolemanphd
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJoshColeman/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjoshuacoleman/?trk=opento_sprofile_topcard
Twitter X: https://x.com/drjcoleman
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc-olRqS_o2xJlkpxWEEErg