Some do make an effort to check in with individual young people in the Meeting, and it has been very satisfying to include the kids in the query discussions. One of the best ways to let young people know that they can share their uncertainties with their parents or other adults is to be very candid with them about ourselves. Sharing with others, such as our adult children or our intimate partners, can be difficult. It is hard to stay on an equal basis without one person taking on a counseling role or making judgments based on long-held expectations. In homes where there is a single religious belief, parents can have a hard time letting children explore.
Parents can all too easily try to live through their children's lives.
Economic and other practical concerns can tempt us to limit our family members' choices as well. When we need to discuss deeply-felt issues, it is important to seek out people with open hearts and minds who can help us look clearly at ourselves. Consideration of the need to make time for a spiritual practice found a difference in approach among those present. Some felt that having a regularly scheduled time for meditation, prayer or reading was the only way to make it happen in a busy schedule. Just alternating work with times of just sitting seems to be an effective practice along this line.