Abstract
In this chapter, the findings of interviews conducted with 30 parents of emerging and young adults are presented. Included is a discussion of their experiences and the meaning they attribute to their parental role. Identified themes include: (a) high expectations, paucity of opportunities; (b) negotiation of finances; (c) standing by, letting it be, and letting go; (d) finding balance, the “delicate dance”; (e) acceptance of the other, co-creating a “new” relationship; (f) having faith; and (g) solicited advice. Both the interview results and examined literature suggest that close family ties and frequent communication across generations may be the protective quality against the fluctuating social demands and contextual realities. Coming to terms with differences across generational expectations, understanding current contexts of personal and professional development, and accepting the views and struggles of the other, is identified as key to fostering and maintaining healthy relationships between Boomer parents and their Millennial adult children.
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Konstam, V. (2015). Parental Voices: “Adjustment Reactions to Children’s Adult Life”. In: Emerging and Young Adulthood. Advancing Responsible Adolescent Development. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-11301-2_9
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