I’m on a 10 day vacation to Washington DC. I love to see how other people live and explore new places other than California, where I have spent so much of my life. It’s exciting here in DC. I feel the energy in the air, and there is so much to do and see, and never enough time. The row houses are beautiful, with the bricks or stucco, painted shutters, and quaint little gardens. I’m noticing many young people here in DC, who appear to be driven, focused, and I would imagine leading healthy lives. Since starting my Treatment Talk website, and Blog, addiction continues to be on my mind. I can’t help but wonder when you think back to our ancestors who started our country, would they have ever imagined in their wildest dreams what would become of so many of our beautiful boys and girls. As I toured Arlington Cemetery today, and looked at all those tombstones of the brave men and women who lost their lives for our country, I couldn’t help but think of those who are losing their lives today because they would rather be high. It makes me sad to think of all those lost lives from the past, and yet, what about those lost lives from the present who have so much to live for?
Washington DC
Have Your Grown Kids Disappointed You?
“We are not the sole determinants of how our children turn out…” and ”…we harm our kids and shortchange ourselves by giving them so much help,…” are two quotes from When Our Grown Kids Disappoint Us, by Jane Adams, Ph.D.
The book is a wonderful resource for parents who are discouraged by the lives of their children. At first the title seemed a little harsh to me. I think it is just one more feeling that is easier to brush under the rug and not really admit. As we hear how other people’s children are reaching their goals, and living successful lives, it is comforting to read that we are not alone. Our children are following their own paths and it’s ok to let them go. We love them, but we do not need to be there solving every problem for them along the way. You can finally breathe a sign of relief when you feel you can let the responsibility of our children’s lives be on their shoulders. What’s amazing is that I think when you let go, it gives them the chance to take control. Their lives may not be exactly what we pictured, but if they are happy, healthy and can support themselves, then in my opinion, that is success. This is another book that I have read several times. The author’s message is clear and touches on many different issues that affect families, so there is something there for everyone. I would highly recommend this book for any parent concerned about their adult child.
If you have read a good book on the subject that you can recommend, let us know in comments.
