Healing Parent and Adult Child Relationships video series

Walking on Eggshells

Parents who have reconciled with their grown child often live in fear of saying or doing something that will sever the relationship again. Parents can put those fears to rest, explains Dr. John Townsend, by talking with their child and establishing some ground rules for the relationship.

Get more out of this series!

After watching video five, consider taking these steps to get the most out of this part of the series:

// Step 1

Answer these discussion questions:

1. 1. What kind of activity might your child enjoy as a low-pressure way to connect with you on a semi-regular basis?
      
      
   2. In a newly restored relationship with your adult child, what actions or topics of conversation do you think your adult child might ask you to avoid? How will you prepare yourself to not be defensive if your child makes those requests?

// Step 2

Read and meditate on these verses: “For ‘Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.’ ” (1 Peter 3:10-11 ESV)

// Step 3

Spend time in prayer:

Lord Jesus,
Help us remain patient as we pursue reconciliation with our child. And if we make mistakes along the way, may our child be willing to forgive us. Help us hear the hard things our child is trying to tell us, even if our child is not able to do that gently, and give us the wisdom and grace to respond in ways that won’t create more conflict.
Amen. 

// Step 4

Read the article “Parenting young adults: Boundaries and limits when kids move back home” to help you navigate the conflicts that can arise when a young adult is not able to live independently, but remains in their parents’ home.

// Step 5

Listen to the Focus on the Family Broadcast “Setting Boundaries When Young Adults Return Home” for more from Dr. John Townsend, this time with regard to setting expectations and healthy boundaries when young adults return to live with their parents.