Parent-child relationships can be loaded at every age, especially when there is codependency involved. This can lead to complicated and draining dynamics that last well into adulthood.

In this Language of Love Session, I speak with a listener who also happens to be my college roomate, Maryanne!. Maryanne is stuck in the cycle of trying to navigate a co-dependent relationship with her aging mother who is entering dementia and impossible to emotionally satisfy. For years she has struggled with this situation, feeling compelled to drop everything and put her own needs aside to be there for her mother. Now that Marianne’s father (and her mother’s caretaker) has passed away, the burden of emotionally caring for her mom has fallen solely to a Marianne. And her mother’s endless need for soothing and company is taking over Marianne’s life. In this Language of Love Session, we’ll talk candidly about how Marianne’s past relationship with her parents is impacting her current relationship with her mother. I give her direction on how to finally set boundaries, stand up for her inner child who still longs for an advocate, and begin embracing the life (and peace) she deserves. If you’re a child and find yourself struggling to set healthy boundaries with your own aging parent(s), tune in as this show is just for you! You can still be a wonderful child and caretaker to aging parents without losing yourself in the process.

Resources and Links

Dr. Laura Berman

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Breaking the Hold of Parent-Child Codependency