Most psychologists will agree that the parent child relationship is one of the deepest and most complex. For those estranged from parents or children, the idea of their lives being shaped by trauma or absence may seem strange and upsetting, yet it's undeniable that this relationship profoundly influences our character.
As our parents age, the relationship changes and roles often reverse with the child taking more of a caring role. For a small minority, this is an uncomplicated transition, where love and duty are happy drivers and everyone fits into their roles easily. For the vast majority, this change is unsettling and too many people are caught in an emotional snowstorm without a plan.
Many of us experienced joy at seeing younger and older generations connect, but darker emotions are prevalent here too; stress, anxiety, and sadness. In this piece we’ll explore some practical steps that people can take as they go through the painful, yet inevitable chapter of watching our parents age.
