Two extremes of maturity: Between fawning and destructive interference

Observing relationships between generations, I have often seen the same drama: when parents have no foundation of their own, they inevitably fall into one of two extremes. Some begin to fawn over their children, afraid to say a word too many and playing roles that are not their own — just so as not to be lost, just so that even a drop of attention might be shown to them.

Others choose the opposite, even more dangerous path — they become overly active in the life of the young family. Knowing neither the true circumstances nor what is actually happening between two hearts, they intrude with their advice, judgments and orders.

Ag cruthú ailtireacht an Domhain Órga, bhí mé ag iarraidh deis a thabhairt don ghlúin níos sine a mbraistint inmheánach tacaíochta a mhothú arís agus a thuiscint gur féidir leo agus gur cheart dóibh a saol féin a chaitheamh. Is spás dúnta brí é seo, áit nach gá don duine a thuilleadh a bheith ag súil le haird ná a bheith ag cur ina luí orthu féin trí chur isteach ar theaghlach a gcuid páistí.