Over the years, we’ve created numerous articles that look at difficult parents, including those who are stubborn, narcissistic, clingy, or incredibly demanding. Such topics generally boil down to the following important approaches: That set of steps works best when your parent is willing and able to understand your perspectives. Where they care about what you’re […]
Help! My Aging Father Came Out as Gay
There is much to celebrate when someone comes out as gay. The moment is a huge and crucial part of their journey towards self-authenticity, which includes acknowledging who they truly are and what matters to them. Yet, some adult children struggle when aging parents come out as gay. The situation can stir up a whole […]
The Best Books on Caring for Aging Parents To Empower You
Regardless of what you’re going through in life or where you are, having people on your side helps more than almost anything else. This includes people who can encourage you and have your back and ideally at least one or two who have traveled the same road already and know how to do it well. […]
Caregivers Book Corner: Fierce Self Compassion Review
We’ve highlighted self compassion multiple times at Kapok, as it’s a powerful tool for helping you to connect with yourself and begin to meet your own needs. In fact, self compassion could be one of the greatest tools for overcoming resistance to self care (something that many caregivers struggle with). Dr. Kristin Neff is the […]
How to Set Boundaries with a Narcissistic Parent
We’ve talked about boundaries multiple times at Kapok. They’re a valuable part of any healthy relationship and are particularly critical for caregiving. Not having good boundaries often means you do far too much for your aging parent and risk burning out in the process. But, what if you’re dealing with someone who is incredibly self-centered, […]
The Unique Challenges of Living with Aging Parents
Living with your aging parents… need I say more? Many of us imagined that we were done being in the same house as our parents when we first moved out on our own – and certainly when we purchased our first house. Yet, here we are again, living with them. In an earlier post, we […]