Parenting Your Adult Child

I just finished the book Parenting Your Adult Child by Susan V. Vogt.  Yes, I realize my oldest child is only 13.  I truly believe that the relationship you have with your adult children starts in their teens so I consider books such as this one to be valuable research as we begin to navigate the changes in parenting as our oldest child begins to mature.

This book uses fifteen core virtues to serve as a guide in dealing with the relationship with your adult children.  Each of the short chapters provides you with not only suggestions but also examples for how to navigate the transition from parenting children to parenting adult successfully.  The chapters also end with reflection questions and prayers to help you focus on the immediate issues you may be facing with your own children.

This book was valuable to me as not only as a parent of a teenager but also as a grown child still struggling to figure out the dynamics of an adult relationship with their own parents. The examples used in this book are pulled from real families struggling with the same issues that face each of us in our own lives.

This book provided me with a wonderful quote which feels  particularly relevant to my life at the moment:

"You are not your children!  Your success as a parent does not depend on their successes.  Resist the urge to take credit for your young adult's successes, lest you also take blame for their mistakes. "

I recommend this book to parents of teenagers, parents of young adults and any parent interested in forming a solid adult relationship with their children.  It is not a miracle cure but it is a gentle reminder that many obstacles can be overcome and problems avoided when you keep your mind and heart open

This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Parenting Your Adult Child . They are also a great source for a Catechism of the Catholic Church or a Catholic Bible.