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Educating Your Children: The Home Schooling Option
An ever growing number of thoughtful parents are concerned about the status of public schools in many cites across North America. At the same time, a good number of families are struggling to make ends meet. They simply do not have excess funds...
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Nurtured by Love or Matured by Nature?
“There is nothing new under the sun,” states Ecclesiastes 1:9. This is certainly true of the nature-nurture debate, the modern name for the ageless argument about the importance of learning in the development of the child. While...
Our Kids and Their Money
When I was a kid, I can't believe that was almost 50 years ago, my folks used to give me a nickle, dime or sometimes even a quarter to go to the corner store. When I got that money I had to go directly to the store and make sure every penny was ...
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Get Your Child Ready for School
Mom, Dad, play with your child. Take out some paints, some paper and help your child discover colors. Mix colors as you name them. Paint shapes, paint animals with the shapes. Take your child to the park. Talk about what you see. Show them boats...
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HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: START THAT CONVERSATION
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: START THAT CONVERSATION
Word count: 339
Annie waited too long to have that talk with her parents. It was too late to have it now as they were both beyond comprehending the seriousness of their situation. As a result, she had to break the bad news to a long lost brother, and deal with her resistant parents who had convinced themselves that they were independent in their own home, while she had to make some very difficult decisions for them.
It’s never too soon to begin the discussion of aging. But if you have put it off, ease into that conversation as soon as the first, what may seem minor event occurs which indicate a loved one’s independence may be in jeopardy. Since it is difficult to begin such a talk, here are some suggestions which may help:
-use another family’s situation or news story as an example or starting point.
-cut out an article or an ad as a reference point.
-ask questions at a family gathering, but keep it light.
-plan a family meeting with the agenda known by all beforehand.
Starting the conversation with “I” statements ensure that you will not sound accusatory
and lets your feelings come through. For example:
-I am worried…
-I feel…
-I am concerned…
-I have noticed…
Engage in a conversation, taking turns, instead of talking at others. Use questions:
-What things concern you?
-What do you want to do about…
-What do you want to do when…
Conveying love and concern is important. Sometimes an outside person can have more influence than those in the immediate family. Be patient. If the first attempt doesn’t go well, keep your sense of humor and try again at a later time.
Linda LaPointe, MRA is an ElderLife Matters Coach who was a long term care administrator. She is the author of several products to help families, including the educational board game, In My Shoes: An Aging Family. See them and get free articles and information at www.SOSpueblo.com
About the Author
Linda LaPointe, MRA is an ElderLife Matters Coach who was a long term care administrator. She is the author of several products to help families, including the educational board game, In My Shoes: An Aging Family. See them and get free articles and information at www.SOSpueblo.com
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