When we think of the empty nest, we picture a variety of colorful visuals. They may be of the optimistic type, where the parents are now free to invest more time and energy into their marriage, pursue long put-off goals and dreams, or simply enjoy the downtime of not being center seat in the parenting role 24/7. Or, on the opposite and often more realistic end of the spectrum, … [Read more...]
Caring for aging parents: 6 ways to prepare your people well
With such a large group of Baby Boomers getting older, there is also a larger number of middle-aged adults caring for aging parents. Many times, this is entered into with little forethought: a parent needs care, so the adult children are the ones to give it. And while most adult children anticipate a period of adjustment, few realize the true difficulties that caring for aging … [Read more...]
How pastors can help empty nesters with their parenting
Being the parent of a young-adult child has its challenges, particularly in the area of letting the child make his own decisions and mistakes. Empty nesters in your congregation may need wisdom and encouragement to know when to intervene in their child’s life, and when to step aside.1 Parents seek to raise their kids to become independent, fully functioning, contributing … [Read more...]