Parenting is a challenge. Many times I work with parents who are having a hard time with their children. Sometimes they feel guilty for not doing more or if their children are angry with them for not giving them enough. These feelings can keep going once the children are adults too!
No child should ever be abused or neglected. That is for sure! However, the purpose of parenting is to help a child become an adult who is able to function on their own. This is why birds are kicked out of the nest at some point.
Is it painful for parents to see their adult children struggle? Always. However, if we follow the adage of "encourage self- sufficiency" we can see that sometimes children need to learn from their own mistakes. What parents can do is be there for their children EMOTIONALLY as they struggle. Saving a grown child every time from their own bad judgement can actually do more damage than good. Encourage self-sufficiency and you will be the best parent anyone could have.
