Most of us have them. All of us love them. Some of us want to put them back where they came from. Let me just tell you...parenting adult children is like trying to stab yourself in the ear with a butter knife. It hurts and isn't very effective. I would love to hear your tales of trying to parent adult children. The best story will receive a nice gift from me. Please make sure I have your email address to notify you.
Not sure what you deem 'adult children' - when mine turned 16 they went from children to adult. Then it was a concept of treating like an adult, not a child. You have taught right from wrong for many years, now they need to show it. Instead of time-outs, it was priveledges taken away. I made my 'adult' children practic driving for a whole year before they could get their licsence - which made for better and more responsible drivers. Driving was a necessity, not a joy ride. Time cerfews were respected (they had jobs and were glad for sleep). And always manners - please, thank yous, open doors, help your neighbor - was always implimented while growing up - you get what you give.
ReplyDeleteI have FIVE adult children! None of them live at home so - I try to be there for them when they need me and keep out of it when they don't ask :)
ReplyDeleteAs you know, Vickie, I have an "Adult" daughter that lives with me. She is 32 and I am so lucky to wear the same size of clothes as her. We get to share everything that I have. She came into our home without anything and so I guess we don't really share as the things she has bought are not appropriate for me to wear... She had a baby in February which is the apple of Grandma's eye. She makes "sharing" worth it. I love all 5 of my adult children. They bring great joy into this Grandma's life! Thanks for "SHARING"!
ReplyDeleteWell I am patiently waiting (today my youngest turns 11) my oldest is 17. Does she count as an adult? It sure does not feel like it! I feel like I am trying to run through a brick wall on a daily basis! LOL is there some kind of 12 step program for this? Because wow I think I am in for a LONG road.
ReplyDeleteI find you can only suggest things and then step back to let them decide on what to do ,as making mistakes is all a part of growing up and learning,and sometimes they need to make the mistakes so they can learn first hand.xx
ReplyDeleteI was suggested this web site by way of my cousin. I'm now not positive whether this publish is written by him as nobody else recognise such distinctive about my problem. You are wonderful! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI thought adult children were hard to deal with until I began taking care of aging parents. At least with adult children you can leave them to their own devices even though you know better than they but with parents....you have to take care of the situation and handle with care and kid gloves because they no longer can function under their own devices, but don't want you taking over. My story...one day my son was telling me his plans and asked for my opinion. I told him that I thought it was not a good idea and asked him if I had ever advized him wrong? He replied, "No but sooner or later you will be wrong." Makes me laugh because he still ask and doesn't listen. Its always going to be different this time.
ReplyDeleteI have a 28 yr old and a 27 yr old (boy & girl) and I think the best way to "parent" them is to trust that what you've taught them will someday be seen in their lives. Just like us when we were that age, they are learning their own way and trying to figure out what works for them. They are going to make mistakes (again, just like us!) but they know that no matter what decisions they make, right or wrong, I am always going to be here to love them. That's what a mom does. Oh, and I pray, ALOT!!!
ReplyDeleteI have 5 adult childre from 25 to 34 & I have deep ridges in my tongue from biting it. I've found that keeping my mouth shut unless they ask for advise is the best thing to do for them. I hope that we have instilled good values in them & that they will fall back on that. The best thing I can do for them is to pray for them everyday.
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