The process of untangling the relationships between ourselves and our parents –
as well as with our children – is a long term process. Each of us came into the world helpless. As children, we had no choice about relying on our parents. We reached adulthood with a mixture of gratitude, guilt, and resentment. The same is true of our children. Those of us who are parents began with an obligation to our children. We may now feel a mixture of commitment, fulfillment and guilt.
No parent can teach a child everything he or she will need. We all do what we can to continue to learn and grow. We have lifelong commitments to each other – within reason. We are all trying to make our way as best we can. We each need to advance our own well-being and not destroy our lives for the sake of a parent or a child.
