Ways to Stay Connected Through Their Teenage Years Many grandparents know the feeling all too well: Grandchildren who used to love spending time with you now seem distant, grown up, or too busy for family time. It’s normal for this special relationship to drift a bit when children become teenagers and start to explore their independence. This is not the end of your bond; it’s just a break that comes with the territory of teenagers. The good news is that there are ways to stay engaged and enjoy time together with your older grandkids. STEP INTO THEIR WORLD. Your grandchildren have not outgrown you; they’re simply maturing in their hobbies and pastimes. One of the best ways to stay connected with them is to explore their new interests. Find out what they love to do and start learning more about it. If your granddaughter is a budding artist, consider taking her to an art gallery or signing up for a pottery class together. Read up on your grandchild’s favorite sports team or watch their favorite movie so you can have great discussions together. SHARE YOUR WISDOM WISELY. Your grandchild’s teenage years can be a confusing time as they take their first true steps toward adulthood. You have important wisdom, advice, and guidance you can share with them, but only if you do it at the right time. Be the person they can call when they just need someone to listen. As they share what’s going on in their lives, ask them questions and wait until they ask you what you think before you start to guide them. MAKE MOMENTS THAT MATTER. You don’t have to spend the whole day with your grandchildren to make meaningful memories. Teens are always on the go with after- school activities, hobbies, and time with their friends. Aim to spend at least a few hours with them every few weeks or once a month, and ensure it’s something they genuinely want to do. Attend their events, whether a basketball game, school play, or concert. It can be difficult watching our grandchildren grow up, but remember, you are still an important part of their world. Walk with them through these teenage years, and the memories will last a lifetime. WHEN GRANDKIDS GROW UP
Why Some Insurance Companies Win by Making You Wait STUCK IN CLAIM LIMBO? In this edition’s cover, our attorney Clint highlighted a case in which an insurance company slammed the door shut far too quickly, denying a claim before the facts could speak for themselves. But there’s another version of bad faith that causes just as much damage. Instead of moving too fast, some insurers slow everything down. They drag out inspections and let weeks or months pass without real answers. Repairs stay on hold, bills pile up, and policyholders are left in limbo, wondering if waiting is just part of the process. So, how long is too long to wait on an insurance claim? And when does a delay cross the line from inconvenient to unlawful? REASONABLE TIMELINES (AND WHEN THEY BECOME A PROBLEM). Insurance companies aren’t allowed to sit on claims indefinitely. State laws require them to investigate, make decisions, and issue payments within defined timeframes. What’s considered “prompt” depends on the state, the type of claim, and its complexity, but delays still have limits. In Texas , insurers generally must acknowledge and decide on a claim within 15 days after receiving the required documentation. If more investigation is needed, that window can be extended to 60 days , and after major disasters, timelines are adjusted. When insurers miss these deadlines, Texas law allows for serious financial consequences, including interest penalties and responsibility for attorney’s fees. Louisiana also sets clear expectations. Insurers must issue payment within 30 days once they have what they need, with additional time allowed for catastrophic residential losses (up to 60 days) . If payment is delayed without a valid reason, the penalties can be significant. SIGNS YOUR CLAIM MAY BE STALLING. One red flag is silence. If calls and emails go unanswered or updates are vague and inconsistent, that’s often a sign the claim isn’t being handled with urgency. Insurers are expected to communicate clearly about what’s happening. Another warning sign is repeated inspections without clear explanations. While inspections are normal, scheduling multiple visits can signal unnecessary delay or an effort to minimize the payout. For many property owners, waiting more than a month without meaningful progress is cause for concern. WHAT CAN YOU DO IF THE CLOCK KEEPS TICKING? You have the right to legal guidance. Our team at Brasher Law Firm can step in, enforce the timelines your policy and state law require, and push the claim toward resolution. Sometimes, the simple act of having counsel involved is enough to ensure you’re treated fairly.
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