15: One Thing Your Aging Parents Wish You Would Stop Doing (and what to do instead)

Blooming in the Middle

Do your aging parents send you mixed messages? They ask for help one minute, and the next, they stop listening.

You're not alone. This happens all the time between aging parents and their kids.

Parents welcome your concern because it makes them feel loved. But when your concern comes with too many questions and suggestions, those warm fuzzy feelings turn into annoyance.

What's underneath this confusing push and pull when you're only trying to help?

Are your parents just being stubborn? Or is something else going on?

How are you supposed to care for them when they resist or reject your offers to help?

What do your parents want? What do your parents need from you?

To find the answer to that question, it helps to understand what they don't want.

In today's episode, let's talk about one thing your aging parents wish you would stop doing. And what to do instead. So you can both find more joy and connection in your relationship.

You can find the full transcript for this episode and other resources for navigating midlife at bloominginthemiddle.com/15.

Jody Cates helps women in midlife dream into a new future, age with confidence, and grow satisfying relationships with their adult kids, parents, and partner. For step-by-step support, apply for Jody's Blooming in the Middle Signature Program here, and she'll be in touch to invite you to a discovery call.
Or if your beliefs about midlife are keeping you stuck and holding you back from stepping into your next chapter, grab a Master Midlife Mindsets session with Jody here to turn negative thoughts into positive action.