HELP FOR THE FAMILY/MARRIAGE -When the Children Are Gone

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Resolve to accept the change.  Concerning grown  children, the Bible says:  "A man will leave his father and mother." (Genesis 2:24)  As parents, your goal was to train your children for that moment, to help them develop the skills they would need to function as adults.  Viewed in that light, your children's leaving home is something of which you can rightly be proud. -Bible principle: Mark 10:7. 

Of course, you will always be a parent to your children. Now, h0wever, you are more of a consultant than a supervisor.  This new relationship  allows you to maintain  a close bond with your children while giving primary attention to your husband.  -Bible principle: Matthew 19:6.

Share your concerns.   Talk to your mate about how this life transition affects  you, and be ready to listen to your spouse's feelings as well.  Be patient and understanding.  It may take time to strengthen your connection as husband and  wife, but doing so is worth the effort.  -Bible principle 1 Corinthians 13:4. 

Find new things to do together.  Talk about goals you would like to pursue together or interests you would like to explore as a couple. Having raised children, you have gained much practical wisdom. Why not use that to help others? - Bible principle: Job 12:12. 

Reaffirm your commitment.   Think about the qualities that attracted you to each other.  As a couple, think back on the history you have shared and the storms you have weathered. In the end, this new chapter in your life can be  a good one. In fact, with cooperative effort you now have the opportunity to  improve the quality of your marriage and rekindle the love that brought you together in the first place.  

SALVATORE AND AURORA

"We came to realize that we now had more time and that we needed  to take advantage of it. So we decided to reach out to people -families with children as well as young couples.  We love helping others and sharing our experience with them."

CARLO AND CATERINA 

"It took time to accept the  idea that our life had changed.  For years we talked mainly about the children. Now. when doing things together, we have gradually become accustomed  to talking about ourselves and our interests." 

Next time: A Brain Pathologist Explains His Faith

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