When to Let Go of Your Adult Children - Ask Marianne Williamson

Ask Marianne Williamson: When to Let Go of Your Adult Child

By Marianne Williamson
Oprah.com | March 22, 2010

Internationally acclaimed author Marianne Williamson answers your questions about spirituality, faith and the power of miracles every week! She'll share her wisdom to help you live your best life.

Q: My husband and I married young and raised four children. Our marriage is great, we are financially stable, and we have good friends and a close family. The problem? Our 31-year-old son has been knocked down hard this past year. Divorce (she no longer wanted the "burden" of a house and marriage), trying to sell a home he cannot afford on his own (in this economy!), a second DUI, which has landed him now in jail for two days and, as a consequence, a job loss. His attitude is good, his outlook positive, but how do I keep from falling apart and worrying myself sick? I've been praying A LOT and supporting him with love (not money). I'm trying to look for the positive in this, but it's very difficult.

— Sheri S., Columbus, Nebraska

Dear Sheri,
The key to your answer lies in the fact that your son is 31 years old. He is not a child, but a man. At this point in his life, he is served best by a mother who respects him enough to believe with absolute conviction that he has it within him to deal with his problems like an adult and move on, than by a mother who puts out the energy that perhaps we won't be able to handle his own problems. Do you see how this works? Your believing he is strong enough to handle all these things (with God's help of course) will create the energy of support that he most needs now. Pray for him continually, in the closet of your own heart, and miracles in his life will never cease.

Marianne

Every week, Marianne will be answering questions from readers just like you—ask your questions now!

Marianne Williamson is an internationally acclaimed author and lecturer who has published several books, including New York Times best-sellers A Return to Love and Everyday Grace. A popular guest on numerous television programs such as The Oprah Winfrey Show and ABC's Good Morning America, Marianne has lectured professionally since 1983. For more information, visit her official website.

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Printed from Oprah.com on Sunday, May 19, 2013