Okey dokey artichokey, you do you

I've been through a lot with my 3 kids and 8 grand-kids. Some of what I've experienced with them is downright heartbreaking.

-Teens exploring their options and boundaries.

-Young adults struggling with the ugly side of adulting for the first time.

-Unresolved resentments

Sometimes I've been unintentionally caught in the crossfire. How about you?

Have you ever had someone you love disregard your feelings or criticize the way you live? Maybe they even rejected you entirely over some stupid mistake you made. On top of that, they may even forget that you're also a human being with feelings and worries beyond your relationship with them.

Frustrating isn't it? Especially when you can't imagine what you've done to deserve this kind of treatment. It's can be quite insulting.

That is, it's insulting if you let your ego run your life. If you take a step back and control your reaction, you might both be OK.

Remember, if they're still young, they haven't been through your hard earned lessons. Respect that they've been through some of their own, though. They'll likely go through many more. It takes time to get to that place of peace in life.

Let them have the time and space they need to develop understanding. Don't get offended if they make you feel like a casualty of their inner battles. They'll come around.

When they swipe at your ego, just do that step back.

Take a breath and say, “Okey dokey artichokey, you do you! I'll still be here for you, even if you won't give me the time of day right now. I love and support you and always will.”

Now, understand, I'm not saying you should allow your kids and grand-kids to continually cause you grief. Just focus on your own life. Be a good example. Fight fire with love. Let them think whatever they think until they've found their peace. They'll get there.

Meanwhile, you can be a good example. Or you can let your ego rule and be a bad one. Pretty clear choice. Okie Dokey, artichokey?