Therapist Unveils Parents’ Messages Vital for Adult Children
Therapist Nedra Glover Tawwab, specializing in relationships and boundaries, delves into nurturing healthy connections between parents and adult children. She emphasizes that cultivating such bonds requires effort and humility, asserting that entitlement to healthy relationships is unjustified without the necessary work.
Tawwab shares 10 vital messages adult children yearn to hear from their parents:
- Acknowledgment of past shortcomings and a sincere offer to make amends fosters healing within relationships.
- Recognition of being in survival mode can elucidate past behaviors and provide context for understanding childhood experiences.
- Offering a choice between advice and simply listening respects the autonomy of adult children in navigating their lives.
- Affirmation of unconditional love assures adult children of their inherent worth, fostering secure attachment styles.
- Willingness to acknowledge mistakes and extend opportunities for second chances demonstrates humility and commitment to growth.
- Admitting when the child is right cultivates balance and mutual respect within the relationship.
- Encouraging independence and embracing diverse life paths empowers adult children to forge their own journeys.
- Expressing gratitude for the child’s presence affirms their significance and fosters mutual appreciation.
- Conveying pride in the child’s achievements bolsters their confidence and sense of self-worth.
- Sharing enjoyment of each other’s company celebrates the journey of healing and signifies a thriving relationship.
In essence, Tawwab highlights that building and nurturing a healthy adult-child relationship demands ongoing effort and vulnerability but promises invaluable rewards. She emphasizes that it’s never too late to embark on the journey of repair and connection, advocating for incremental steps towards healing and eventual reconciliation.
Re-reported from the article originally published in Your Tango.
