Adult Children

Sometimes it is hard to believe that my wife and I just celebrated a son who is 20 years old, another one will be celebrating his 22nd birthday, and in July, our oldest will be 26 years old. Furthermore, let us not forget our bonus baby, who will turn nine years old in May, but that is a different topic. For now, let us chat about our adult kids. For those of you who know, raising adult children gives a parent an entirely distinct perspective on parenting. The 18 – 24 -year-old is wrestling with moral questions of identity (who they are), where they belong (their place in life), and their contribution to the world (why I am here) – and they want to do it on their own. However, it is a phase a child must endure so that, hopefully, they may grow and mature (Proverbs 24:16).

So, what is our role as a parent in this journey? Be a person who shows interest in what they are doing and their choices. Yes, even if they are against your beliefs or how you raised them. Our adult children need us to ask questions, not judge or label them wrong. They need our unconditional love that listens more than advice, believes the best about them, and chooses trust over suspicion (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). Our hope as a parent is that a lost child becomes found, and we rejoice (Luke 15:32). Meanwhile, we listen intently and speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:14-16). 

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