Parenting Young Adult Children: My Experience

Parenting adult children, can be just as challenging as raising small children. At least when they were small, I didn’t have to concern myself  with the choices they made, or where or whom they’d be in the company of. I was in control of their lives, and I made all the decisions. Up until a certain age, we as parents are solely accountable for our children’s lives. I remember when my children were young, my son around nine or ten and my daughter being around two..I would always pray to God, that I would be blessed to raise them up to adulthood. That prayer has come to pass, and as you can imagine, I have a whole other prayer.

Now that my eldest is thirty-one and my youngest twenty-four, I of course pray for their happiness, physical and mental health. I also constantly pray that God instills in them a strong since of self love. I pray this prayer for them because I’ve learned that true self love makes us better people. We as parents, can only hope and pray that our children are the absolute best versions of themselves, as they move about in this world, and when we’re no longer here for them.

I know you all can tell, a great deal of my parenting revolves around prayer, it always has, and will always be that way. It’s the only way I know. Let me tell you, just in case you don’t know..prayer is a game charger. If you’re a believer you know the peace of mind that comes with putting things in Gods hands. But we can’t ever forget that faith in God without putting in work, is basically a useless endeavor.

Anyone who has children knows that no matter how old they are, they’re still your babies. The way you interact with them just changes slightly. They still look to us for the answers, when they don’t even know they’re asking a question. Sometimes they aggressively push us away, all while silently crying out to be embraced. It can be such an awkward dance. Raising children is challenging no matter what age they are.

Parenting is one of the most important relationships that some of us will get to experience. My personal experience has been nothing short of amazing, even when things get a little rocky. I always tell everyone, despite the inevitable growing pains that I had to weather with my children, I must say they are really good, respectful people at their core.

I can’t say this enough, parenting in general can be difficult for many, but parenting adult children is a whole other ball game. It’s the quintessential relationship balancing act. It’s not the easiest relationship to be in, but if patience, forgiveness, understanding and respect is practiced by both parties, it can be one of the most rewarding relationships that one could ever have.

Photos: @wildnyc

Until our next stylish encounter, as always loves..stay inspired

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