My adult son moved home last September. Between his seasonal job ending and needing to recuperate from a back injury, he decided he’d take a break from being a Forest Ranger for a while. He moved home, found a job, and became my roomie.
At the same time, my life significantly shifted, and I found myself moving out of my home, putting said house on the market, and moving into an apartment.
Any of those life events could be called life-changing.
All of them happening at the same time? That’s just called life.
And thus, my son and I have been learning to share space again. Living with an adult child is VERY different. Curfews are out, but communicating our plans is in. Nagging about chores is out, but mutual respect for shared space is in. Most importantly, getting a free ride is out, and paying rent is most definitely IN.
Most days we do fairly well. Until yesterday, when I walked into his/the guest bathroom for the first time in a few weeks. Let’s just say, I’m very glad we haven't had company recently.
Gross.
I have found that these situations are best handled with humor. In other words, I threatened that I’d not buy ice cream on the next HEB run if he didn’t make the room usable for guests! He laughed and said, “Okay, mom.”
(Did I mention I have a great son?)
It wasn’t always this easy. In fact, it was never easy. Just when I thought I had this parenting thing down, something would change: sometimes him, sometimes me, and sometimes the world around us.
Fun Fact: Getting comfortable with the reality that parenting is an ever-changing challenge is one of the keys to surviving being a parent.
Beginning May 21st, I’ll be accepting new clients on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
If you are going through one of those challenging times as a parent, I’d love to work with you. You can call the office (817) 439-8900, or email me at tracydunn@hopeandgrowthcenter.com
To quote the cool kids of another generation, working with parents is “My Jam!”
(I’m hip like that),
Tracy
Beginning May 21st, she will be accepting new clients on
Wednesdays and Thursdays
To schedule an appointment with Tracy, call the office at (817) 439-8900, or by emailing her at tracydunn@hopeandgrowthcenter.com.
Tracy accepts Cigna and Aetna (under Sarah Bentz), and her self-pay rate is $80
Tracy is a LPC-Associate and is supervised by Sarah Bentz