MH Ep. 9 - Leave & Cleave: The Parent's Perspective ft. Bruce Osterink, Sue Osterink, Stephanie TeSlaa

Letting go is not easy, especially when your child gets married and the responsibility you once carried shifts to their spouse and to God. In this episode, Stephanie TeSlaa talks with Bruce and Sue Osterink about what it looks like for parents to support that transition with grace. Through honest stories, practical wisdom, and even a roll of “holy duct tape,” they share how to stay loving and present without overstepping, helping your child’s marriage thrive.

Discussion Questions:

DQ1: How does seeing the importance of marital unity change the way you interact with your adult child(ren)?

DQ2: How can you change your approach to family expectations—such as holiday, etc.—that may cause tension in your relationship with them or create stress in their marriage?

DQ3: What does it look like to support your adult children's decisions when you do not agree with them?

DQ4: In what ways can you shift your role from being your child’s first stop for support to encouraging them to go to their spouse first?

DQ5: How do you and your spouse navigate tension in your own marriage that arises from the process of letting go?

DQ6: If you realize you’ve unintentionally created a wedge in your child’s marriage, even years later, what steps can you take together to repair and support their relationship?