What to do When Your Kid Breaks Your Heart

Come to find out that our older kids can really break our hearts when they make poor life decisions and even really blow it. I am in the early process of grieving the forfeited possibilities that my dear one has given up due to her less than optimal decisions.
Here are a few steps to consider as you process your broken heart–

1. GRIEVE–Really process the hurt. Talk to trusted advisors, your spouse, and others who have been there and done that.

2. PRAY–Take your hurt to God. He is not surprised. You have hurt Him in like manner and He still gives you His grace and mercy. Can you give the same? You have been forgiven much–now it is your turn to forgive.

3. TALK WITH YOUR CHILD/COMMUNICATE–Have a compelling and courageous conversation. Be open, listen, and DO NOT ATTACK. You are in this to communicate and SHARE FOR THE LONG TERM.
3. HAVE A LONG TERM PERSPECTIVE–You want to know, love, and invest in your kids for a lifetime. Make decisions with this in mind. Take your time. Do not over react, speak with finality, or do what will hurt the relationship irreparably in the long run.

Having your heart rendered in two really sucks. You have a right to be hurt. The key here is to be honest with yourself and others and focus on processing the hurt and then to move on.

4. MOVE ON–You have much at stake and cannot afford to get stuck in yet another drama. You are responsible for others, yourself, and are a steward of perhaps many things. It is key to not neglect these and still be true to your self, hurts, and then be ready to move forward. You will find the Grace if you seek Him with all your heart. I know this…