It isn't easy when your parents are aging and begin to lose some of their independence. It isn't easy for them and it isn't easy for you either. They have to try to adjust to asking for help...and of all people to have to ask...their children! It can feel like such an indignity. They have always been the one in charge, the go to person for answers and help.
It isn't a picnic for the adult child either. They could always count on their parent to be there to help and now they are the one being called in to help. The tables have flipped.
What both sides need to understand is they are in grief. We tend to think of grief as something that only happens when someone dies but grief is a process we all go through many times in our life. As a child we are grieving the loss of the parent who was there for us and now needs our help. As an aging parent we grieve the loss of our independence.
No matter how hard we try we cannot turn back the hands of time. We must learn to embrace what is now. So how do we do that? Read the following three steps to get started.
It isn't a picnic for the adult child either. They could always count on their parent to be there to help and now they are the one being called in to help. The tables have flipped.
What both sides need to understand is they are in grief. We tend to think of grief as something that only happens when someone dies but grief is a process we all go through many times in our life. As a child we are grieving the loss of the parent who was there for us and now needs our help. As an aging parent we grieve the loss of our independence.
No matter how hard we try we cannot turn back the hands of time. We must learn to embrace what is now. So how do we do that? Read the following three steps to get started.
- Have gratitude for all that "was" but also for what " is" now. If you look you will find something to be grateful for in every situation. This is the time to really focus on that and spend time in gratitude.
- Find solutions for the situation you are in. You can wallow in self pity and nothing in your situation will change or you can look at the cards you have been dealt and decide how you want to play them. Getting help to discover solutions will take a lot of stress off of the situation.
- Let go of how you thought you or your aging parent's life would be at the end. That was a story you made up. By focusing on what you can do now with the situation you have you will begin to create a new story.
Kathryn Watson 2013
You don't have to do this alone! Give me a call today to see how I can help you move forward! Kathryn Watson 281-827-7090
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