Chapter Two

I like how in the beginning of chapter two Professor Liberman says that it’s not really the formal education we receive while growing up that guides us when dealing with an aging parent, but the life experiences and lessons we obtain that do. Book smarts will only get you so far in the way of social interaction and coping with the aging of your parents. Most of these skills are gained through the experiences you share with your family, being open and communicating often. I believe the more open you are with your family, the easier it will be to sit down and communicate about the darker, more serious subjects that occur with aging. The first recommendation is one I personally need to focus on. When I become faced with the emotions anger, frustration or fear I often times fall back into a shell and ask questions to no end, and these are certainly emotions I will be surrounded by when dealing with my own aging parents. Whether I myself am feeling these emotions or my parents are I need to find a more effective and empathetic way to deal with them other than asking questions. This recommendation goes hand in hand with the next, to listen carefully to your parents when they are speaking to you. As our parents age the frequency with which they ramble and mumble will increase. It is still important to listen to and respect their wishes. Sometimes it’s as easy as asking what you can do to help out, or just telling them that you want to help. In my opinion it all comes back to communication, which could be considered my foundation for my relationships. It is important to maintain a high level of communication with your parents, especially in their older age so it is clear between both of you what is expected and wanted. If you cannot simply communicate with your loved ones, what CAN you do to help?