Did you even know there was such a day? In 1994, President Clinton signed into law a day in which children should recognize and support the role of parents on the 4th Sunday in July. So, even if it’s belated (better late than never), reach out to your parents: do something special or just call them up with a thank you for everything they’ve done for you!
If you are a baby boomer and your parents are older, start a dialogue with them about what some say is taboo…their wishes. This will begin one of the most intimate, memorable, and important series of conversations to have to achieve the ultimate peace of mind — for them and for you.
Depending upon your family dynamic, this can be easy or hard. Maybe you already know everything about their wishes, estate plan and finances. For most Americans, this is a very hard subject to broach. Perhaps there are cultural sensitivities or you just have very private parents.
Here are some compassionate discussion topics that might help you break the ice:
1. Everyone over 18 needs some level of planning. Perhaps say,”I’m doing it / I have done it / I want to do it.” This way it is not about your parents’ physical or mental condition or age.
2 . “I want to honor your wishes, but I don’t know what they are. I’m not trying to take your power or money away, I just want to help when you need me.”
3. “You have worked hard for everything you have and I don’t want to see it wasted on unnecessary court procedures.”
4. “This will relieve the burden on us because you will have given us guidelines to follow.”
5. “This will reduce family drama so the focus can be on caring for you.”
Special Note: Divorce, blended families, death, money and one child getting more than another have destroyed many families. Don’t let it ruin yours. If you want to hear some client stories to relay to your parents (oh, do we have some stories to tell) please call us!