Red flags in parent and adult children communication dynamics

AN ASTUTE observer and listener can reliably look beyond the “curtain of perfection” (“we are a close-to-perfect family”) and see if and when an adult son or daughter is at odds or in conflict or uncomfortable with a parent or parents.

- ROD SMITH

The adult son or daughter, who may hold a very responsible job and even employ many people, becomes like a seven-year-old when engaging one or both parents.

The accomplished adult dissolves and regresses. The voice changes, attitudes and mannerisms shift — often to the surprise of observers.