A unique Father's Day gift

When I was growing up my Dad did his best, he was always saying "parenting doesn’t come with a manual". He tried his best, but he didn’t have a clue. He genuinely believed that enforcing his beliefs and values on us was a necessity, an obligation of parenting. If he was around today, he would have crumpled under the strain.

Now when children grow up they don't always leave home, some go off to University then come back as matured independent adults, some stay at home, living in their semi virtual technological worlds. Dad would not have understood or coped at all.

The young adults feel they have no hope of buying their own property due to soaring prices. They may be lucky enough to earn a good wage and reach the threshold, where they begin repaying their student loans and can manage to afford rent or they may choose to stay at home so they can save towards a house of their own. Of course some parents are delighted, for others this is a whole new dilemma.

Let’s not kid ourselves, after having to deal with our empty-nest when all the children left, this is a whole new crossroads. Should we offer shelter for longer, something we didn’t prepare for financially or we necessarily want? 

If there is a disproportion of women or men in the house, maybe your children have even moved their partners in, the balance of power tips in your own home. It can be a real struggle. We all react differently, driving us to delaying tactics such as having a drink on the way home, working late constantly or taking up hobbies, all to avoid being in the house. This all adds to a new unplanned financial and relationship quandary.

Parents seek out coaching for support as it’s not easy having more 'young adults' in the house, they struggle feeling as if they are a strangers in their own home. Feeling overpowered, lacking confidence in how to deal with female hormones or male mood swings. Feeling like their planned dream retirement is slipping away. They are under pressure to work longer, spend less, save for their children or even borrowing again to help out. 

If this is you, or you recognise your Dad or husband is struggling, why not introduce him to coaching? A coach will be dedicated to helping your loved one, assisting them to relentlessly pursue their goals. Overcoming any stress or lack of work-life balance, listening and guiding them through the transformation they need to cope with their home environment, developing plans with them to strengthen their resolve and commitment to their modified plan for retirement.

If you’re a parent struggling, why not treat yourself. Just knowing you have a coach to champion you through the next chapter, could be the best present. 

Happy Fathers Day to all.