You may think you know your parent but senior care experts point out that many children are out of touch with their elderly mother or father’s feelings and needs. It is important to get reacquainted so you can understand how to help them moving forward. When you once lived in your parent’s home, you may have known your mom or dad’s political likes and dislikes and religious or spiritual needs. However, over the years since moving out and having a family of your own, it is possible that what you think you know may be different than what your parent thinks, feels or supports today. As your mom or dad ages, this may be the best opportunity to get to know them on a deeper level.

The professional senior care advisor recommends that connecting with your parent as an adult is often a rewarding experience not just for you but your parent as well.  The open dialogue that develops can be a refreshing and rewarding gift that parent and adult child can share.  Now is the time to do this, as there is no guarantee for tomorrow and your mother or father needs to share their story with you to put the pieces of your life together.

Most families reminisce for feel-good reasons to recount special moments and to laugh about those not so special moments that make them unique despite the tensions they may have created at the time.  Knowing your parent on a deeper level will help you in caring for them or preparing a senior care provider to support their needs adequately. Following your mom or dad’s directives is a form of love despite whether it is your choice or not, you are honoring theirs.

When sharing family secrets or stories remember it should not be done in order to hurt or injure your relationship in any way. When you and your mother or father open up, do so with kindness and love to support each other. Give each other the strength to move forward and hold on to those important memories and bonds.