That parenting dance: adult children

 Parenting adult children is a relatively new chapter in my life. As I move into this stage, I can see how the lessons I'm learning apply to many aspects of life, not just parenting. Where is the focus?

Be present

What can I do for you? How can I help? Do you need anything? As a parent of adult children, the priority is to be availabe and present should they need me. 

Mentor, encourage, and model good values and behavior

As much as possible, I believe it is still vital to mentor, encourage, and model good values and behavior. The more that you can cheer them on with all things good, the better off they'll be.

Get together at healthy, positive events

Plan healthy, positive events and welcome your loved ones to those events--spend good time together. 

Share the wealth

Help your children out with your wealth of time, energy, space, and perhaps a few dollars too if possible. While it is good to foster their independence in all ways including financial independence, it's okay to help out as you can too. 

Gratitude

Be gracious and grateful for all that children bring to your life--let them know that you are grateful in tangible, explicit ways.