1. Failing to Keep the Lines of Communication Open
You may be focusing on dealing with your pain and losses or moving away from your past life with your adult children’s other parent and moving toward your future. Your adult children are looking backward at what they are losing from their past and what will always be their past, not their future. Discuss with your adult children that you understand these differences.
You and your adult children may have different views about your roles. Since your children are adults now, you may view them in the role of peer, while they still see you in the parental role. Discuss with them the different views you may have of each other’s roles in your relationship and your expectations.
If your relationship with your adult children is fractured, be the one to reach out and ask them to go to counseling to improve your communication, heal, and restore your relationship. Listen without judgment to their feelings and experiences.