Introduction
Necessary Alterations
My Parent, My Friend
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
Two: Still Driving You Crazy
So Annoying
Addressing Trouble Spots
Coping with Relationship Gaps
Your New, Leading Role
Three: Staying Connected
Short-Circuiting Guilt Trips
The Frequency Factor
The Near or Far Dilemma
Turning Estranged Relationships Around
Keeping Everyone Happy
Four: Drawing Boundaries
Defining Boundaries
Changing Patterns
Who’s the Parent?
Five: Your Partners, Spouses and In-Laws
I’d Like You to Meet…
The Underlying Issues
Surmounting In-Law Difficulties
Six: Your Parent’s New Partner
Puzzling Choices
New Families, New Roles
Unraveling the Logistics
Seeing Things Differently
Seven: Sibling Complications, Sibling Support
The Family System
Sibling Frustrations
Troublemakers and High Maintenance Siblings
You Like Him Better…Still
Sibling Assistance
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
Nine: Career Directions and Decisions
Great Expectations
Going into the Family Business
Measuring Up
Surpassing a Parent
Ten: Relationship Shifts
Illness Changes the Relationship
When a Parent Dies
Losing Your Childhood Home
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
Twelve: Parent to Peer