New book ‘Love Out of Control’ helps parents navigate the challenges of parenting adult children via gospel meditations

Kathleen Phillips explores the timeless struggles of parenting with faith and reflection

BRYAN, Texas – Parents often receive abundant advice on raising children—until they turn 18. But what happens after that? Kathleen Phillips’ new book, “Love out of Control: Meditations for Parents of Adult Children” (published by WestBow Press) steps into this gap, offering a fresh perspective on parenting adult children via meditations on gospel stories.

Drawing from over 25 years as a spiritual director and countless conversations with parents struggling to adapt to their evolving roles, Phillips brings a compassionate and faith-filled approach to one of the least-discussed phases of parenthood. Through the lens of biblical narratives, “Love Out of Control” examines the lives of gospel-era families and the challenges they faced. Their stories offer insight into issues, pose questions and enlighten modern-day parents in understanding their children’s struggles.

“My hope is that the book will bring a sense of peace, comfort and hope for all parents who sorely need it,” Phillips states. “I also hope they will know they are not alone and that they will relate to the gospel stories in ways that help them get through each issue they face with their grown children.”

“Love out of Control” offers a path forward by connecting ancient wisdom with today’s realities — helping parents find a way through their own experiences. With themes touching on relationships, financial struggles, and faith, this book is a timely and much-needed resource. Whether read individually or used in group discussions, the book encourages parents to reflect on their role through scripture and personal insight.

“Love out of Control: Meditations for Parents of Adult Children”

By Kathleen Phillips

Hardcover | 6 x 9in | 120 pages | ISBN 9798385040223

Softcover | 6 x 9in | 120 pages | ISBN 9798385040216

E-Book | 120 pages | ISBN 9798385040230

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author

Kathleen Phillips cofounded Middleway Urban Monastery, College Station, Texas, in 2020 as a community of spiritual directors who aim to provide peace, comfort, and hope for seekers, especially those who have stepped away from traditional church. There she serves as a spiritual director.  She has led retreats throughout Texas on a variety of spiritual topics. Her career spanned 40 years of award-winning journalism and media relations work, and she authored two books along the way. Phillips demonstrated her leadership as a news manager, executive for the North American Agricultural Journalists (2000-2020), and director of FIND — School for Spiritual Direction and Formation (2004-2024), from which she graduated in 2000. She is a lifelong Episcopalian, is mother to two grown children and lives in the country with her husband where she enjoys her dogs, cats, a variety of wildlife and gardening. “Love Out of Control” is her latest work, following “Such Are the Trials: The Civil War Diaries of Jacob” Gantz” and “Killer Bees.”

WestBow Press is a strategic supported self-publishing alliance between HarperCollins Christian Publishing and Author Solutions, LLC — the world leader in supported self-publishing. Titles published through WestBow Press are evaluated for sales potential and considered for publication through Thomas Nelson and Zondervan.  For more information, visit www.westbowpress.com or call 844-714-3454.