One of the most common conversations we have with parents goes something like this:
“I know my child is struggling, but I don’t know how to bring up the idea of getting support. I don’t want to push them away or make them feel like I’m hovering.”
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
Many parents can clearly see their young adult child feeling stuck. They might seem lost after graduating or unsure about the next step; they may feel discouraged or hopeless in the midst of a lengthy job search process or unable to follow through on goals they once felt excited about. It’s hard to witness that as a parent. You want to offer support, but you also want to respect your child’s autonomy. That tension is real.
Bringing up the idea of career coaching can feel like walking a tightrope. You may worry that your child will feel criticized, or that even a gentle suggestion could cause them to shut down. But with the right language and timing, it’s possible to introduce the idea in a way that feels respectful and empowering.
This post describes how we support parents who are navigating that delicate balance—offering help while honoring their child’s independence.
We offer career coaching for young adults in Westport, CT, and virtually across Connecticut and Virginia.
Why Some Young Adults Struggle to Accept Help
Many young adults who feel stuck already know something isn’t quite working. They may not talk about it openly, but the signs often show up in other ways. They might avoid decisions, procrastinate, or talk about wanting to “figure things out” without taking any steps to get there.
Part of what makes this experience so isolating is the belief that they’re supposed to already know what they’re doing. Our culture often sends the message that independence should come naturally, and that asking for help means you’ve somehow fallen behind. If they’re watching peers land jobs, move out, or talk confidently about their goals, they may assume they’re the only one who’s struggling.
That belief can lead to shame, which makes it even harder to reach out. So when a parent suggests something like career coaching, even gently, it may land with more weight than expected. Your child might hear “you need help” when what you meant was “you don’t have to do this alone.”
That’s why timing and tone matter. The goal isn’t to push them to act before they’re ready. It’s to remind them that support exists—and that they’re not falling behind just because their path looks different.
What Career Coaching Actually Offers
Career coaching is not about telling someone what to do. It’s a collaborative space that helps young adults clarify their goals, build structure, and create momentum. Coaching supports the process of identifying what matters, exploring options, and taking consistent action.
In our practice, career coaching often includes:
Setting short- and long-term goals
Exploring and clarifying career interests and values
Building routines and systems that support follow-through
Strengthening decision-making and self-trust
Working through patterns like avoidance, perfectionism, or self-doubt
The approach is supportive and non-directive. We don’t define success for your child—we help them define it for themselves and take actionable steps to achieve it.
When to Talk to Your Young Adult About Career Coaching
There’s no single right moment to have this conversation, but some times are better than others. Our advice is to try to choose a moment when things feel relatively calm. Avoid bringing it up in the middle of an argument or when emotions are already high.
Helpful windows often include:
After your child expresses frustration or uncertainty
When they’re reflecting on a recent transition, like moving home or finishing school
During natural times of reset, such as the beginning of a new year
Keep the tone open and supportive. The more curious and grounded you are, the more likely they are to stay in the conversation.
How to Introduce Career Coaching to Your Young Adult Without Pushing
The way you introduce career coaching can make all the difference. When your child already feels uncertain or discouraged, the last thing they need is to feel pushed or boxed into something they didn’t choose.
Here are a few ways to keep the conversation open and supportive:
Use curiosity instead of advice
“I’ve been thinking about whether having someone to talk to outside the family might feel helpful.”
Affirm their strengths
“You’re thoughtful and capable. It’s completely understandable to feel stuck sometimes. I really believe you can move through this, and I wonder if coaching might help with that.”
Lower their perception of the commitment
One thing we often encourage parents to say is something like, “You don’t have to sign up for anything long-term. You could just have a conversation and see if it feels helpful. That’s it.”
Clarify what coaching actually is
“Career coaching isn’t about someone telling you what to do. It’s about working with someone who can help you figure out what you want and how to take the next step.”
Give them space
“You don’t need to decide anything now. I just want you to know there are resources if you want them.”
The goal is to offer support without pressure—so that when your child is ready, they know where to start.
Signs That Coaching Could Be a Good Fit
Coaching can be especially helpful for young adults who:
Feel unsure about their next steps after school
Struggle with job searching, follow-through, or creating routines
Are navigating a career transition from one industry to another
Avoid decisions or feel overwhelmed by choices
Are motivated in theory but unsure how to begin
Want to move forward but feel stuck trying to do it alone
Even small signs of openness—like frustration with their current situation or asking for guidance—can be a cue that they’re ready for support.
You Don’t Have to Have All the Answers
As a parent, it’s hard to watch your child struggle. You want them to feel confident, engaged, and independent. But the truth is, this stage of life can be complicated. Many young adults need more structure and support than they expected.
Career coaching gives them a space to explore what matters, build momentum, and make choices that feel meaningful to them. And for parents, it offers a way to support without pushing and to guide without hovering.
If you think career coaching might be helpful for your child, we’d be glad to talk more about what that could look like.
FAQ: Talking to Your Young Adult About Career Coaching
If you’re searching for career coaching for young adults in Westport, CT or need support from afar, we offer virtual sessions across Connecticut and Virginia.
What’s the difference between therapy and career coaching?
Career coaching focuses on goal-setting, clarity, and action. It’s typically structured around career exploration, executive functioning, and building momentum toward independence. Therapy goes deeper, addressing emotional patterns, anxiety, or self-esteem issues that may contribute to being stuck. At Gofman Therapy & Consulting, we offer both — and sometimes a combination is most helpful.
What if my young adult doesn’t think they need coaching?
That’s common. Many young adults feel uncertain but don’t yet know how to ask for help. Framing coaching as a low-pressure conversation — rather than a big commitment — can help reduce resistance. We often encourage parents to say, “You don’t have to sign up for anything. Just talk to someone and see if it feels helpful.”
Is it okay to reach out as a parent before my child is on board?
Yes. Many of the families we work with begin with a parent consultation. We can help you explore how to approach the conversation, what to expect from coaching, and how to support your child without overwhelming them.
Can career coaching help if my child is dealing with anxiety or low motivation?
Yes. Career coaching is not a replacement for therapy, but it can be incredibly helpful when paired with therapeutic support. Coaching focuses on building confidence, routines, and decision-making skills — especially for young adults who are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to begin.
Do you offer virtual coaching?
Yes. We offer virtual career coaching for young adults across Connecticut and Virginia, as well as in-person sessions at our Westport, CT office. We also provide support to parents who are navigating how to help from a distance.