I Have a Family of My Own, but I Still Want My Parents

Having a spouse, children, and a family of your own does not remove the desire to call your parents.In this solo episode, Robert reflects on losing his father at fourteen and his mother at twenty-six. He talks about missing his parents during his daughters’ milestones, but also during the ordinary moments: driving home after a difficult day, sharing good news, or wanting to ask what he was like as a child.Robert also explores the adult relationship with his parents that he never got to experience. He considers how early parent loss shaped his need to feel chosen, safe, and wanted in other relationships, as well as his fear of being a burden.The episode includes an honest look at parenting after parent loss. After recognizing parts of his father’s discipline in his own reactions, Robert began examining how he speaks when he becomes frustrated. He shares how faith, reflection, and a simple agreement with his wife are helping him interrupt patterns he does not want to pass to his daughters.In this episode:Missing your parents after building a family of your ownGrieving the adult relationship you never had with themWanting access to your parents’ memories of your childhoodParenting without someone to call for adviceRecognizing family patterns without excusing the hurt they causedFinding a safe place for unfinished conversationsLearning to pause before passing an old wound forwardScripture mentioned: James 1:19Content note: This episode discusses parental death, complicated parent-child relationships, yelling, and childhood spanking.Learn more about Robert DelFave’s grief coaching and writingWebsite: robertdelfave.comGrief coaching: robertdelfave.com/coachingSchedule a complimentary Grief Map Session: Book a Grief Map SessionThe Other Side of This: robertdelfave.com/bookContact: [email protected] Carried Forward Podcast is hosted by Robert DelFave, grief coach, David Kessler Certified Grief Educator, and author of The Other Side of This.