The Session: Parenting Adult Children

Ephesians 1:17-18 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, Helps for our Adult Children Pray for them. Colossians 1:5· the faith and love that spring from the hope· Don’t stop praying For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you.Encourage Them· Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deedsBe a Good Role Model· Proverbs 4:20 -24"My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words.  Do not let them out of your sight,     keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them     and health to one’s whole body.  Above all else, guard your heart,    for everything you do flows from it.  Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips."· An incredible 44 percent of the letters received made reference to this failure of older adults to let go. It was as though some of the writers had been waiting for years for that precise question to be asked. Here are a few of their comments:·        1. "Mother felt my leaving home was an insult to her. She couldn't let go, couldn't realize I needed to become an independent person, couldn't understand that I no longer needed her physical help, although I did need her as a person. Quite unintentionally she retarded my growing up by 35 years."·        2. "One of the greatest problems is to have my parents see me as an adult, not as a child who doesn't know the best way to do things. As a child, I played a specific role in my family. Now as an adult, I wish to change my role, but they will not allow it."·        3. "Our parents never seemed able to grasp the reality of the fact that we had grown from dependent children, to capable, responsible adults. They did not recognize or appreciate our abilities, responsibilities or contributions to the outside world."  To reach Tom Russell, please call 419-709-8447, email Tom at [email protected], or visit his website at https://www.heritagechristiancounselingofmansfield.com