Too often, much of what is being communicated by our elder parents and friends is misinterpreted by those not listening with the understanding of the elder developmental stage. Many a chasm has been created in a relationship because one fails to understand the other, and this time of life is no exception. Having spent time [...]
Read the rest of this entry »Archive for May, 2010
Conversation starters
Conversation Starters With Elders Which Encourage Connection The elder developmental stage of life has as many specificities as any other stage, however if you’re not past 80, it can be difficult to understand. Just as my 22 and 24 yr. old daughters can’t fully understand the decisions her 52 yr. old mother makes, we don’t [...]
Read the rest of this entry »Na Na Na Goo Goo, You’re Not Parenting Your Parents!
We are not parenting our parents, however certain behaviors can make it seem like our parents are childish. However, a distinction to consider is childish vs. childlike. This chart can help you discern the differences and find solutions to what the loves of your life are communicating through behavior! When you understand people’s motives it’s [...]
Read the rest of this entry »Personal Growth
Personal growth means different things to different people. Being all you can be might mean pushing the physical limits to some, while to others it has more to do with spiritual pursuits. Still others find academia and intellectual muscle building the path to enlightenment. Emotional growth might be what some see as the ultimate, where [...]
Read the rest of this entry »Finding the center line
The center line of your life, as in tennis, is a moving target. And when you’ve come to the point in your life that your parents need you more than you need them (if that’s possible!), that center line shifts on a daily basis. Whether you parents live independently in their own home (my father-in-law) [...]
Read the rest of this entry »Listening…A Lost Art
There is an art to listening. Some people are natural listening artists, other aquire the skill through understanding and practice. Byron Katie, a favorite author/philosopher of mine, said it best when talking about it in parenting context, however it can applied to any situation: When I became quiet, they could hear themselves. One of the [...]
Read the rest of this entry »Sweet Dreams
I’m going to try this in my Mother’s room. When she had restful sleep, she is much more communicative, which helps us to know what she needs! http://www.worldhealth.net/news/jasmine_found_to_encourage_restful_sleep/ Share on Facebook
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