@Amy Bosque, I was where are you not long ago. Looking back now, I see I was approaching Depression, not being able to think about anything other than my broken relationships with my adult children (and I have a terminally ill 12 yo grandson with glioblastoma that I am seldom allowed to see). His condition is now declining again... Even with this heartbreaking situation, I am much stronger and at peace. I can not change my children. I MUST let them make decisions for themselves. They know I love them and am here if they want me in their lives. It has to be their choice to make it work. With our classes I recognize that my efforts to help them earlier may have not been what they wanted or needed. I can now see the unintended damage I may have done. Problem is, I can't get the children affected by this to talk about it. It's easier for them to walk away...

@Amy Bosque EXACTLY why I'm here...I was toeing the line with my breaking point...

Looking forward to listening to this, Catherine! I learned a long time ago in a class at the University of Virginia for employees, the difference between being Assertive vs Aggressive. I've used the skills I learned all through my life. Being assertive in a respectful way is hugely important. Being aggressive is very harmful. Through this program, my strengths as a parent and grandparent are being validated. Your good counsel helps in all my relationships; with friends, colleagues, neighbors. It's helping us to see where changes are needed, that we deserve to be treated respectfully, even when there's a disagreement, and encouraging us to acknowledge when we did the best we could. That's huge! It has helped seeing that there are SO MANY OTHER PARENTS in similar situations. That is really alarming and eye opening to me. I was getting to a depressed state, withdrawing, and feeling a huge weight of guilt on my shoulders. My strong faith kept me going, as it has in the past. I am feeling so much better now (and my husband sees it). He is having several health challenges now and redirecting my focus and energy on him, letting our children come to me instead of me always reaching out is giving them the space they need, is taking stress off me. We can be very patient and wait. I am going to find ways to see my grandchildren though, through the legal system if needed. I am feeling calm about this.

Just seeing this. Hope you were able to join us. One way is going to the Calendar and clicking on today's date. Also, at the top of the Home page there will be a box to click on to join the meeting. Hope this helps!

You're in the right place, Robert. You are among other parents with the same goal. Catherine's strategy that we have to heal ourselves first, and get ourselves into a healthy secure place, and understanding how our children got to the place they're in, we will then understand that we can't Save them from their choices, or Rescue them from the consequences of their actions. We protect ourselves too, by not accepting their rude or disrespectful behavior. The Modules will be very helpful. I've listened to reach multiple times. The weekly discussions enforce what we're learning, and the community chat space is where we as parents support and comfort each other on this path to recovery we're on. Glad you're here!

Welcome Marilyn! (I send this to new members and will share it with you too. I mean this with all my heart!) So glad you are joining us :) We are a group of parents who have similar and unique challenges with one or more of our adult children. I am so grateful that the beginning focus is on OUR needs, as individual parents, addressing our past and present efforts with communication, and learning to protect our hearts when misunderstanding/conflict occurs. There is no rush in our program. I am so grateful for the trust we've built together and, at least for me, the ability to share what's on my heart and the honest and tender comments and suggestions Catherine and our new friends offer. :) Welcome!