Conclusion of ADAPT TO YOUR CHILDREN'S INDEPENDENCE

After a couple's two daughters married and moved away, the couple felt a void in their lives. At first, the husband resented his sons-in-law.  But as he reflected on the principle of headship, he realized that his daughters' husbands were now responsible for their respective households.  Therefore, when his daughters requested his advice, he asked them what their husbands thought, and then he made sure to be as supportive as possible.  His sons-in-law now view him as a friend and welcome his counsel.

What if newlyweds, while not doing anything unscriptural, fail to do what the parents think is best?  "We always help them to see Jehovah's point of view," explain one couple who have married children, "but if we do not agree with a decision of theirs, we accept it and give them our support and encouragement."

In certain Asian lands, some mothers find it particularly difficult to accept their son's independence.  However, if they respect Christian order and headship, they find that friction with their daughters-in-law is minimized.   One Christian woman finds that the departure of her sons from the family home  has been a "source of every-increasing gratitude."  She is thrilled to see their ability to manage their new households.  In turn, this has meant a  lightening of the physical and mental load that she and her husband have to bear as they get older. 

Next time: REINVIGORATING YOUR MARRIAGE BOND

From the book: THE SECRET OF FAMILY HAPPINESS, 1996