Parents of young adults with mental illness may face a continueddemand for support, even though their children have reachedthe age of majority. The aim of this study was to explore relatives’experiences of parenting a young adult with mental illnessin transition to adulthood. Individual interviews were conductedand analysed according to Grounded Theory. The results showedthat relatives experienced powerlessness and a sense of inescapableduty with limited possibilities to be relieved.With a family nursingapproach, relatives can be supported and, when the young adults’needs of care are met, they can be relieved from their burden ofresponsibility.