with Natalie caine

July 17, 2007 | by Admin2 | No Comments

by Mom on tilt | submitted on July 17, 2007

What am I suppose to do now with my kids? I know that sounds ridiculous since I have been parenting them for over twenty one years, but really how do I relate to them. They don’t answer my emails, they don’t text, and they don’t call. Did I mention they don’t even come home for summer breaks or holidays?

I had no idea this is what my future held as a parent. I literally have been kicked out of the, “I need you kingdom” and “there is no place like home.”

Ok, so I am exaggerating but I bet you can relate.
Yes my children and I do see each other and respond to techie communication but the truth is, I am not sure how to be comfortable with them. That sounds ridiculous since we have known each other for decades but we are different now.
Do I talk about politics, sex, finances, spirituality, work, creativity, vacations or do I not say much and just ask. How are you? What’s up?

It is as if I am wordless and don’t know how to carry on a conversation. One day they are happy and chatting away with me and the next or rather the next hour they are quiet around me. Awkward…that is how I feel…awkward with my own children.

Now that sounds pathetic and I am an accomplished woman who has always had great parenting skills. I just am adjusting to who I am these days with sweats, aging parents, too much free time, widening waist, less sleep and dreading blowing out the candles on my cake.

Yoga stretches and centers me but doesn’t teach me how to talk to adult children. My friends are struggling too with these new creatures in the house.

We seem to be back to the push pull stage…mom come here…mom get out of here, mom have you seen my keys, mom it doesn’t matter.

At least I know we do love each other it is just I am thinking of trying sign language with them or calling in an exorcist. Who is that person in that room and how did he get there?
Alright, I am exaggerating again, but and it is a but…being with adult children is tilt for me. Is anyone else feeling off balance?

Thanks for listening,
Mom on tilt