Finding Comfort in the Chaos of Parenting: A Review of Doing Life with Your Adult Children by Jim Burns
As a mom, my days often blur between snack times, playdates, and bedtime stories. There are moments of pure joy mixed with delightful chaos, making me feel like a circus performer juggling flaming torches. Yet, in those quieter moments of connection—like snuggling up with my little ones, poring over our favorite picture books—I’ve found something magical. Recently, amidst the usual bedtime routine, I stumbled upon Doing Life with Your Adult Children: Keep Your Mouth Shut and the Welcome Mat Out by Jim Burns. And oh, what a breath of fresh air it’s been!
Jim Burns, a seasoned parenting expert, dives into the often uncharted waters of parenting adult children. It’s a reassuring guide for those of us who might soon find ourselves navigating the complexities of our kids growing up. The book addresses real-life concerns many parents share, such as how to relate to a child who is now an adult, recognizing the differences between helping and enabling, and understanding when to step back and let them forge their own paths.
While reading this book, I was reminded of those early years cuddled up on the couch, engrossed in storytime with my toddlers. Every page turned starkly contrasts with this new phase—yet there’s a similar underlying theme: connection. As I flipped through the chapters of Burns’s book, I found it made just as much sense to me now as explaining why a teddy bear was a great companion to my three-year-old.
Reading through it, I couldn’t help but notice how Burns employs anecdotes and practical advice, making the content easy to absorb—much like a beloved picture book. In fact, it sparked an engaging dinner conversation with my partner about what it means to support our kids as they grow. My own little ones chimed in, curious about how we could keep welcoming our future adult kids home while giving them the freedom to explore.
Oh, the laughs we had! My youngest, just six years old, quipped, “So, does that mean I can move back in after college and play with my toys all day?” It opened up a dialogue on independence, nurturing, and the joys of watching them grow—plus, the ever-important truth I’m still learning: there’s wisdom in sometimes keeping our mouths shut and simply being present.
I loved how the book emphasizes love, boundaries, and maintaining healthy relationships, which resonates deeply with where my parenting journey currently sits. Burns provides the reassurance that these tough transitions are not just universal but paved with lessons to keep love and communication alive.
In conclusion, I’d recommend Doing Life with Your Adult Children to every parent who might feel the twinge of separation anxiety as their kids grow. It’s not just for parents with adult children—it’s a comforting read for anyone who’s contemplating the future. For those of us who cherish open doors and warm hearts, it’s a reminder that the welcome mat should always stay out. Whether you relate to this phase or are just starting to think about it, you’ll find valuable insights here.
This book may not replace our cherished bedtime stories, but it certainly adds depth to our parenting narrative and may just become a staple on your shelf, reminding you of the beauty found in every transition of love and connection. It reassures us that parenting doesn’t end; it simply evolves. And in this beautiful chaos of parenting, every story matters.
Discover the joy of connection with your adult children! >>
