Grown and Flown: Because Parenting Never Ends
Parenting is a lifelong journey that doesn’t end when children leave home. As parents, we invest so much of ourselves in raising our children that it can be hard to adjust to a new reality when they grow up and move on to their own lives. This transition from parenting children to parenting adults is a significant one, and it requires us to shift our perspective and redefine our role as parents.
The Transition from Parenting Children to Parenting Adults
Parenting adult children can be challenging because it involves letting go of control and allowing them to make their own decisions. It can be hard to watch our children struggle or make mistakes, but it’s important to remember that they need to learn and grow on their own. Our role as parents is to offer support and guidance without being overbearing or controlling.
One of the biggest emotional tolls of parenting adult children is the feeling of loss or grief. We may miss the closeness we had with our children when they were younger, or we may feel like we’ve lost a part of ourselves now that they’ve grown up. It’s important to acknowledge these feelings and give ourselves time to process them.
Here’s a chart with some tips for the topic “grown and flown because parenting never ends”:
| Topic | Tips |
|---|---|
| Communication | Keep lines of communication open, listen actively, use technology to stay in touch, respect boundaries, avoid giving unsolicited advice |
| Independence | Encourage decision-making, respect autonomy, support interests and passions, provide tools and resources, celebrate successes |
| Support | Offer practical help, emotional support, financial assistance (with boundaries), respect space and privacy, be a sounding board |
| Growth | Encourage continued education and lifelong learning, provide opportunities for personal and professional growth, support career goals and aspirations, encourage exploration of new hobbies and interests, help find purpose and meaning |
| Self-Care | Encourage prioritizing self-care, model healthy behaviors, help find healthy ways to cope with stress and anxiety, encourage seeking professional help when necessary, celebrate accomplishments and encourage taking time for oneself |
| College Years | Respect independence, encourage involvement on campus and making new friends, provide emotional support and guidance, help navigate challenges and obstacles, encourage taking advantage of academic and extracurricular opportunities |
| Life After College | Help prepare for transition, encourage networking and making professional connections, help create budget and manage finances, provide emotional support during job search process, encourage pursuing passions and taking risks |
I hope you find this chart helpful!
Navigating the Empty Nest
The empty nest can be a difficult adjustment for many parents. After spending years raising children, it can be hard to adjust to a quieter and more solitary lifestyle. However, it’s important to remember that this is a new phase of life that can bring its own joys and opportunities.
One way to cope with the emptiness of an empty nest is to find new hobbies or activities to fill the time. This can be a chance to pursue interests that we may not have had time for while raising children. It’s also important to stay connected with our adult children, whether that’s through phone calls, texts, or visits.
Grandparenting
For many parents, becoming a grandparent is a new and exciting chapter in life. However, it’s important to remember that being a grandparent comes with its own set of challenges. We may have different parenting styles than our adult children, or we may struggle to find a balance between spoiling our grandchildren and setting boundaries.
To be a good grandparent, it’s important to respect our adult children’s parenting decisions and offer support and guidance without being overbearing. We can also find ways to connect with our grandchildren on a personal level, whether that’s through shared hobbies or special traditions.
Finding Meaning in Parenting Adults
As our children grow up and become adults, it’s natural to wonder what our role as parents should be. While we may no longer have the same level of day-to-day involvement in our children’s lives, we still have an important role to play in their lives. We can be a sounding board for their ideas and dreams, offer advice and support when needed, and celebrate their successes.
As parents of adults, we also have an opportunity to reflect on our own journey as parents. We can take pride in the hard work we’ve put in over the years, and find new ways to grow and develop as individuals. Whether that’s pursuing new hobbies, learning new skills, or giving back to our communities, there are many ways to find meaning and fulfillment in this new chapter of life.
Conclusion
Parenting is a lifelong journey, and the transition from parenting children to parenting adults can be a challenging one. However, with a shift in perspective and a willingness to embrace new opportunities, we can find meaning and fulfillment in this new chapter of life. As we navigate this journey, it’s important to stay connected with our adult children, respect their independence, and continue to grow and develop as individuals.
FAQs
What is “grown and flown”? “Grown and flown” is a term used to describe the transition from parenting children to parenting adults, when children have grown up and left home.
How do I cope with the emotions of parenting adult children? It’s important to acknowledge and process the emotions that come with parenting adult children, such as loss or grief. It can also be helpful to find new hobbies or activities to fill the time, and stay connected with adult children through regular communication.
How can I stay connected with my adult children? Regular communication, whether through phone calls, texts, or visits, is key to staying connected with adult children. It’s also important to respect their independence and offer support and guidance without being overbearing.
What are some tips for being a good grandparent? To be a good grandparent, it’s important to respect your adult children’s parenting decisions, find ways to connect with your grandchildren on a personal level, and offer support and guidance without being overbearing.
How can I find meaning in parenting adults? As parents of adults, we can reflect on our own journey as parents, pursue new hobbies or learning new skills, and give back to our communities. Finding ways to grow and develop as individuals can bring meaning and fulfillment to this new chapter of life.
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