by Jill Pearson
If you are in the season of life of navigating your relationship with children who are launching out on their own, making their own choices, developing their own set of values, wanting independence but still needing support, then you have to read this book.
I am in this position with all three of my kids, ages 22, 25, and 27. Two got engaged this summer, one bought a home that needs lots of TLC, one is still in college and needs significant financial support. Their politics are different. They are pushing back on the values they were raised with. Many things that Jim Burns addresses, we are living at this stage of life.
We are crazy about our kids! We want vibrant relationships with them and their future spouses. So the subtitle of this book, “Keep your mouth shut and the welcome mat out,” has become our mantra. We wait to be asked for advice. We serve them lavishly. We finance trips and meals out so we can all be together. We look for regular opportunities to gather and have loads of fun.
I realize that some people have much heavier issues their families are dealing with: addiction, depression, lack of motivation, confusion. Dr. Burns addresses these things, too. He gives parents tools, suggests boundaries, and even addresses how to leave a strong Christian legacy with grandchildren.
I highly recommend this book!
Jill Pearson is co-editor of The Stir, wife to Dave, and mom to three young adults who have flown the nest but are easily lured back with an offer of dinner. She owns and operates Riverwood Studio, an art education business, and finds creative ways to serve at Calvary.