Introduction
Necessary Alterations
My Parent/My Friend
Chapter One: Who Am I? Who Are They?
The Family Fish Net
Different Generations, Different Views
Your History Together
Making Choices, Initiating Change
Still Your Parents
Chapter Two: Still Driving You Crazy
So Annoying
Addressing Trouble Spots
Coping with Relationship Gaps
Your New, Leading Role
Chapter Three: Staying Connected
Short-circuiting Guilt Trips
The Frequency Factor
The Near or Far Dilemma
Turning Estranged Relationships Around
Keeping Everyone Happy
Chapter Four: Drawing Boundaries
Defining Boundaries
Changing Patterns
Who’s the Parent?
Chapter Five: Your Partners, Spouses and In-Laws
I’d Like You to Meet…
The Underlying Issues
Surmounting In-law Difficulties
Chapter Six: Your Parent’s New Partner
Puzzling Choices
New Families, New Roles
Unraveling the Logistics
Seeing Things Differently
Chapter Seven: Sibling Complications, Sibling Support
The Family System
Sibling Frustrations
Troublemakers and High Maintenance Siblings
You Like Him Better…Still
Sibling Assistance
Chapter Eight: Money Matters
Receiving Money from Your Parents
Claiming Rights to Your Parents’ Money
When Parents’ Generosity Makes You Uncomfortable
Parents Needing Financial Help from You
Chapter Nine: Career Directions and Decisions
Great Expectations
Going into the Family Business
Measuring Up
Surpassing a Parent
Chapter Ten: Relationship Shifts
Illness Changes the Relationship
When a Parent Dies
Losing Your Childhood Home
Chapter Eleven: It’s a Boy! Parents as Grandparents
Not Living Up to Your Expectations
Expectations Met
Inevitable In-law Comparisons and Conflicts
Protecting Your Own
Chapter Twelve: Parent to Peer—The Friendship Model
Starting Points
Eight Ground Rules for Ensuring Friendship
The Intangibles That Fortify Friendship
Chapter Thirteen: A Work in Progress—The Generational Picture
From the Same Cloth
Parents are People, Too
And the Bond Goes On…
Modeling for the Next Generation
Research Design