Guest Blogger: Parenting, don’t fool yourself, it doesn’t end

Good parenting never stops because you can always have a positive impact on the lives of your children, if you pay attention and employ good thinking.

Loving them no matter what

My divorce was quite unpleasant.  After my ex-wife and I separated, my children were upset.  One expressed anger and wanted little to do with me.  I made clear that I cared and wanted to be in his life.  So, over time, that attitude changed.

After some time, we met for dinner.  The evening seemed to be going calmly, but then I said something that brought out his anger.  I sat and took it.  Because I listened to his anger, and continued to be clear that I loved him no matter what, this was a turning point.  We have grown much closer ever since that evening.

Celebrating holidays

Holidays are always challenging.  Last year, in September, I asked about Thanksgiving.  The response was, “I thought you said seeing us on Thanksgiving day was not important to you.”  I said that I had feelings that made me realize that was completely true.

However, I backed off and I sent an email saying that, what was really important was to see my children together on any day, regardless of what day was.  A few days later, I got an email saying that they wanted to join me for Thanksgiving.  Messages like that will bring tears to your eyes!

Finances

As an attorney and financial planner, I try to make sure my children plan well.  On the other hand, I know saying too much turns into prying into their lives when they are striving to be independent and can make them feel badly, as if they are not doing well or as if I am being critical.

After the divorce, my daughter needed some support from me.  I asked if her mother was helping.  She said yes, so I never asked again and provided what she said she needed.  Much later, I learned that she amassed several thousand dollars in credit card debt during this time.  When she told me this, she also told me that she paid it off.  Such an impressive accomplishment; you have to be proud of that!

So, the learning on my part never stops, and what I can do to help my children continues!

This article was submitted by my fellow Blogger, Steven Branson, from  millennials-money.com .

Steven A. Branson, Esq., is the founder of Millennials-Money.com, a financial planning website for Millennials.

For nearly 30 years, Branson has been creating financial plans for clients, and has worked with numerous Millennials to help achieve their financial goals.

Branson has a law degree from Harvard Law School and is known for his financial articles geared toward Millennials.  Branson’s writing and financial tips can be seen on this blog.