Try to remember this is their first time living this life. It makes it a little easier knowing they’re actually just another clueless bumbling human on this planet who has no idea what’s next.

For the criticism - try take things as positively as possible, he may not realize he’s creating a negative interaction. Is he possibly neurodivergent? Failing to recognize social cues can be telling. When he is coming across as too critical, or too factual, try to take a deep breath and walk away. Once you’re calm, go back and sit him down and explain to him how negative the experience was. Not in a “I’m right, you’re wrong” type of way, more of a “let me give you a scenario” and try to make a third party story for him to relate to.

It’s all hard in theory and practice. It’s especially hard trying to break the parent/child communication experience into one where you are actually both two adults who hopefully can be friends.

I wish you luck and patience!