Comments on: Q&A with a Change Challenger: Carol Ann's goal to help her son

By: Deb

Deb — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 18:54:32 +0000

Carol Ann, thank you for sharing this wonderful information. I’m not sure that it’s really possible to ever let go of the strong urge to take care of our children’s needs. It is indeed so hard to watch them make the mistakes that we know will have an impact on their future. Even though my son doesn’t have specific health issues, your insight and extremely useful examples of your new growth in your relationship helped remind me of the information I learned in Crucial Conversations and even more so, helped me see how to use this in my own relationship with him. Just by your son inviting you to lunch after the appointment shows you are definitely on the right track. Best of luck on your new journey together.

By: Jo Spellman

Jo Spellman — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 20:25:28 +0000

Carol Ann–wanted you to know of what value your posting was to me. I too have an adult child (girl, 22) with a life-long health condition that requires active management, and the transition of accountability from parents to adult child has been very difficult for us too. You have provided me with some great ideas, and a way to share a positive approach with my husband, without our personal relationship intervening, as he struggles even more than I to let go of control of this issue. Bless you.

By: Joseph Grenny

Joseph Grenny — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 22:39:17 +0000

Carol Ann,
Thank you for sharing this intimate and important change challenge. Your wisdom in approaching it so thoughtfully and candor about the mix of emotions involved moved me. I am sure that there are others who will be instructed and inspired from your sharing. You are a wonderful mother as evidenced by your deep feelings about this. And I know you’ve heard it before – but I’ll say it again: there is no value in “should haves.” Your motives and heart are right and all that matters is here forward.