# Agony Aunties: When You Love Your Children… But Don’t Always Like Them

An episode of [Therapy Works](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1646616622), 23 Jan 2026, 18 min.

Audio: https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/6ab0fba6119942cbe118752f/e/b782fe24-f6be-11f0-b2f7-17a053f8f7da/media.mp3

In this Agony Aunties episode, Julia, Sophie and Emily respond to a brave listener who admits she loves her two adult daughters deeply but often struggles to like them. With one daughter feeling unmotivated and the other frequently hurtful or unpredictable, she asks how to navigate disappointment, set boundaries, and understand what is reasonable to expect from adult children. Together, they explore the unspoken guilt many parents feel, the shift from parent–child to adult–adult relationships, and how old hurts layer into current dynamics. They offer gentle guidance on letting go of control, maintaining connection, managing expectations and finding compassion for yourself as well as your children. A validating, honest conversation for anyone facing complicated family relationships. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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