Drawing the Line With Love Help Your Kids Fly, While You Set the Boundaries
Watching your children grow into independent adults is one of life’s greatest joys — but just because your kids are grown doesn’t mean they won’t test your limits now and then. As they build their own lives, the relationship between parent and child shifts, and deciding where to draw the line can be challenging. If you’re an empty nester, it’s time to redefine and set healthy boundaries that protect your time, energy, and well- being. Whether it’s financial independence, personal space, or learning to say “no” without guilt, establishing clear expectations can strengthen your relationship with your grown kids while allowing you to enjoy this exciting new chapter. Embrace Their Independence Though they will always be your baby, the first step in setting new boundaries is acknowledging their independence and adulthood. Your children need to make their own decisions and mistakes and find
their own belief system, no matter how much it may differ from yours. Set flexible boundaries that give them the space to problem-solve without your interference. Though it may be your first instinct to provide them with advice or guidance, they may want space. Remember, you are forging a new relationship with them, becoming more of a mentor than a director. Resist the urge to immediately run to their aid because the more lessons they learn for themselves, the more self-confidence they will build. Recognize Your Limits Your life, needs, and routine also undergo significant changes as your child enters adulthood and leaves home. It’s time to identify your own desires, plans, and limits. Communicate clearly with your children about what you’re doing with your time, and learn to say “no” if their behavior or expectations overstep your boundaries. It could be as simple as saying you can’t
cover their bills for them, but you’ll help them look for a new job or set up a savings account. Remain open to discussion and change, but stay consistent. Having more time for yourself is an emotional transition, too, so practice self-care. Taking care of yourself will model healthy behaviors for your children in their adult lives — and enable you to live the life you choose.
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Uncommon Provisions in Estate Plans
posthumous pet care options carefully, as you need to ensure your designated trustee can fulfill this commitment. Additionally, keep the animal’s anticipated age in mind; you may need to think decades ahead if your pet parrot has an expected lifespan of 100 years! Consideration for Cyber Survival In years past, estate planning involved determining who would receive your home, beloved family heirlooms, or other tangible items. These days, securing your legacy also means considering what happens to your presence in cyberspace. Do you operate an Etsy store or another form of online business? Do you have hundreds of family photos or meaningful family conversations stored on a social media account? Have you dabbled in cryptocurrency? Specifying what should happen to these increasingly common
items — and who should be responsible for accessing them and overseeing their future — needs to be part of your estate plan, especially if any have monetary value. Everlasting Endearment Although many estate plans focus on assets that exist in the present, provisions addressing future actions — including tokens of affection — can be arranged as well. In one famous example, comedian Jack Benny included instructions in his will that his widow, Mary, would have one red rose delivered to her every day for the rest of her life. Mary received her first rose upon her husband’s death in 1974, and the tradition continued until her passing in 1983, resulting in her receiving thousands of roses and proving that the possibilities for estate planning are virtually endless.
When it comes to estate planning in 2025, your Messenger account or magnificent macaw are just as important to consider as your acreage and antiques. Here are three examples of things most people typically don’t consider in estate planning but could impact how their legacies are handled. Fur in the Fine Print For many, pets are part of the family — and may sometimes be listed as such in an estate plan. If the ongoing care of a beloved animal companion is a concern, you can establish a pet trust to have money set aside to provide for them until their death. The trustee will be responsible for overseeing such care and handling any associated expenses. However, consider your 2 floridaestateplanning.com
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